English Reference

Phrasal verb

bow down

Definition

phrasal verb. to bend your body forward and low to show respect or to admit that someone else has more power than you.

phrasal verb. To bend the upper body forward and downward as a gesture of submission, reverence, or respect. The verb is intransitive and frequently collocates with the prepositions 'to' or 'before' to indicate the recipient of the gesture.

Examples

“The people bow down when the queen enters the room.”

“In many ancient cultures, subjects had to bow down before their rulers to show complete obedience and respect.”

“The rebels refused to bow down to the new regime, choosing instead to face imprisonment rather than acknowledge the dictator's authority.”

Examples

simple

“The people bow down when the queen enters the room.”

contextual

“In many ancient cultures, subjects had to bow down before their rulers to show complete obedience and respect.”

complex

“The rebels refused to bow down to the new regime, choosing instead to face imprisonment rather than acknowledge the dictator's authority.”

Usage

Usually followed by 'to' or 'before' when mentioning the person or thing being respected.

Teaching tip

Help students distinguish between the literal physical movement and the figurative meaning of yielding to someone's power or demands.

Pitfall

They bow down the leader.

They bow down to the leader.

The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'to' before the object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

bow + down (+ to + object)

Synonyms

kneelsubmityieldprostrate

Antonyms

resistdefystand up to

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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