The idiom "bows down" means showing respect, obedience, or submission to someone or something considered superior or more powerful. It can also mean to admit defeat or acknowledge someone's superiority.

In short:

• It expresses reverence, loyalty, or surrender to someone or something that has more authority or power.

What Does "Bows Down" Mean?

The idiom "bows down" indicates that someone or something is more powerful or superior and that one respects, obeys, or surrenders to them. It can also imply that one concedes or recognizes someone's dominance.

Where Does "Bows Down" Come From?

The idiom "bows down" comes from literally bending one's body or head as a gesture of reverence or deference. This act has been practiced in many cultures and religions to show respect, obedience, submission, gratitude, humility, worship, or apology to someone or something considered superior or more powerful.

Historical Example

"Abraham bows down before three men who appear to him as messengers from God."

—In the Bible (Genesis 18:2)

10 Examples of "Bows Down" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how this idiom can be used in different sentences:

• No diggity. He bowed down to his boss and did everything he asked.
• No questions asked. She refused to bow down before the dictator and joined the resistance movement.
• The crowd bowed down in awe when they saw the superstar on stage.
• You should bow down to your elders and respect their wisdom. They are your pillars of support.
• No mean feat. He made his enemies bow down to him and beg for mercy.
• She bowed down to the goddess statue and prayed for her blessing by the grace of God.
• He never bows down to anyone and always stands up for his beliefs. He has an iron will.
• She waved a white flag, bowed down to his genius, and admitted that he was right.
• He bowed down to her beauty and charm and proposed to her on the spot. Her jaw dropped.
• She bowed down to his authority and followed his orders. There's no substitute for his loyalty.

Examples of "Bows Down" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the song "Bow Down / I Been On" by Beyoncé, she sings "Bow down, bitches" to assert her dominance and superiority as a female artist.
• In "The Lion King," Simba "bows down" before his father, Mufasa, king of the Pride Lands.
• In the book "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen "bows down" before Rue, a young tribute who dies in the arena, as a sign of respect and solidarity.

Other Ways to Say "Bows Down"

Here are some synonyms for the idiom "bows down":

• salute
• kneel before
• bend the knee
• worship someone
• pay homage to
• to honor someone
• acknowledge
• recognize someone

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Bows Down"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom:

• What does "bows down" mean?

The idiom "bows down" means showing respect, obedience, or submission to someone or something considered superior or more powerful.

• What is the origin of the phrase "bows down"?

The idiom "bows down" comes from literally bending one's body or head as a gesture of reverence or deference. This act has been practiced in many cultures and religions to show respect, obedience, and submission.

• What are some antonyms for "bow down"?

Some antonyms for bow down are "to stand up," "to rebel," "to challenge," "to defy," and "to criticize."

• What is the difference between "bow down" and "bow out"?
  

"Bow down" means to show respect, obedience, or submission to someone or something superior or more powerful. "Bow out" means to withdraw from a situation, activity, or competition gracefully or politely.

• Is "bow down" a formal or informal expression?

"Bow down" is a formal expression usually used in severe or respectful contexts. It is not a common expression in casual or everyday conversations.

• How do you use "bow down" in a question?

You can use "bow down" in a question by using an interrogative word (such as who, what, where, when, why, how) followed by bow down and then an object (such as a person, a thing, a place).

Example: Who do you bow down to?

• Can you use "bow down" in a negative sentence?

Yes, you can use bow down in a negative sentence by using a negative word (such as not, never, no, none) followed by bow down and then an object.

• What are some idioms that have similar meanings to "bow down"?

Some idioms that have similar meanings to bow down are "to kiss the ring," "to lick someone's boots," "to eat humble pie," "to throw in the towel," and "to tip one's hat."

• How do you use "bow down" in a positive sentence?

You can use "bow down" in a positive sentence by using a positive word (such as admire, respect, appreciate) followed by a "bow down" and then an object.

• What are some synonyms for "bow down" in other languages?

Spanish: inclinarse, reverenciar, rendirse
French: s'incliner, révérer, se rendre
German: sich verbeugen, verehren, sich ergeben

Final Thoughts About "Bows Down"

The idiom "bows down" is a formal expression that means to show respect, obedience, or submission to someone or something superior or more powerful. It can also mean to admit defeat or acknowledge someone's superiority.

To summarize:

• The idiom comes from literally bending one's body or head as a gesture of reverence.
• It has many synonyms and antonyms that have similar or opposite meanings.
• It has been used in various forms of pop culture, such as music, movies, TV shows, books, etc.