# bow down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bow-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They bow down the leader." but "They bow down to the leader." — The verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.