IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishbow and scrape
Meaning: To behave in an overly humble or flattering way toward someone powerful.
Example: “The staff bowed and scraped whenever the owner came in.”
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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