take a bow

/teɪk ə baʊ/◆idiom

accept applause

After finishing his speech, the speaker took a bow.

He accepted applause from the audience.

◆ What It Really Means

To acknowledge praise or recognition, often in a formal or celebratory manner.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically bow down, typically as a gesture of respect or submission.

Literal Breakdown

taketo perform an action+a bowa gesture of bending forward at the waist

◇ Mental Image

A performer bending forward to acknowledge applause from an audience.

◈ When to Use

A musician finishes a concert and takes a bow to thank the audience.

◉ Cultural Note

Common in Western performance traditions, symbolizing gratitude and humility.

informal

To accept applause or acknowledgment, typically after a performance or speech.

The magician took a bow after his final trick.

He acknowledged the audience's applause.

Commonly used in theater, music, and public speaking contexts.

Synonyms

This phrase is often used in formal or celebratory settings.

Originates from theater, where performers bow to acknowledge applause.

Often used metaphorically to acknowledge praise or recognition in non-performance contexts.

English Dictionary