He had to tug his forelock to show respect to the boss.
tug one's forelock
idiomTo show deference or obsequious respect.
Origin
disputed originFrom a traditional gesture of respect to the higher classes, pulling down one’s front piece of hair or cap in a mock bow.
In the old days, servants were expected to tug their forelock whenever they passed their employer in the hallway.
The villagers felt forced to tug their forelock before the local landlord, a gesture that highlighted the deep social divide of the era.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.