bow and scrape
idiom
: to treat someone who is powerful or wealthy in an extremely respectful way especially in order to get approval, friendship, etc.
She's disgusted by politicians who bow and scrape before wealthy contributors.
Examples of bow and scrape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Others show up every weekend, in a different freaking costume, ready to bow and scrape to me and play the part.
—
Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2023
At the same time, Trump has opened up new avenues for fundraising—but only for Republicans willing to bow and scrape before him.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 Apr. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2023
At the same time, Trump has opened up new avenues for fundraising—but only for Republicans willing to bow and scrape before him.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 Apr. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near bow and scrape
Cite this Entry
“Bow and scrape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bow%20and%20scrape. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share