bow and scrape

Meaning: To behave in an overly humble or flattering way toward someone powerful.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “The staff bowed and scraped whenever the owner came in.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: In an old-fashioned bow, one leg was drawn back, scraping the floor. The phrase for excessive deference is found from the 17th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: S'aplatir comme une carpette — literally: To flatten oneself like a rug

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