bow out
Meaning: To resign or withdraw from a situation while preserving one's dignity and reputation.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The image is of a performer taking a bow at the end of a show and leaving the stage gracefully.
More idioms — Daily Life
- long shot — Something unlikely to succeed or happen; a bet or venture with very poor odds.
- spin one's wheels — To work hard without making any real progress toward a goal.
- land in someone's lap — Something desirable comes to someone without effort or expectation on their part.
- out of spoons — Exhausted of energy or resources, usually mental or emotional.
- thrash out — To discuss and resolve a contentious issue thoroughly through frank dialogue.
- play Cupid — To act as a matchmaker by trying to bring two people together romantically.
More English idioms
- see with half an eye — To perceive something obvious with very little effort or attention.
- mugged by reality — To experience a sudden, brutal confrontation with harsh truth after living in comfortable…
- plow the sands — To expend great effort on something completely futile or worthless.
- loaded for bear — Fully prepared and equipped, mentally and materially, to face a difficult challenge or co…
- have someone's guts for garters — To punish someone severely, especially with angry or violent reprimand.
- Lord willing and the creek don't rise — Used to express contingency on circumstances beyond one's control, especially minor natur…
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