How Do You Spell BOW AND SCRAPE?

Pronunciation: [bˈə͡ʊ and skɹˈe͡ɪp] (IPA)

The phrase "bow and scrape" is often used to describe someone who is overly deferential, particularly to those in authority. The word "bow" is pronounced /baʊ/, with the vowel sound represented by the letters "ow" pronounced like the word "cow." The word "scrape" is pronounced /skreɪp/, with the vowel sound represented by the letters "a" and "e" pronounced like the word "sake." The spelling of these words accurately represents their pronunciation, allowing us to decipher their meaning even in the absence of context.

BOW AND SCRAPE Meaning and Definition

1. Bow and scrape is an idiomatic phrase used to describe exaggeratedly deferential behavior, often performed in the presence of someone of higher social rank or authority. The term is derived from the physical gestures traditionally associated with this kind of exaggerated subservience.

   The verb "bow" in this context refers to the act of bending forward from the waist as a gesture of respect or submission. It is a display of reverence and deference that can be accompanied by lowering the head or tipping the hat. The action of bowing is seen as a physical representation of subservience and acknowledging the authority or superiority of the person being bowed to.

   The verb "scrape" refers to the motion of dragging or skimming the foot across a surface. In the context of bow and scrape, it describes the act of scraping or dragging the foot backward while bowing, often creating a scraping sound. This gesture is seen as an exaggerated display of humility and submission, adding an extra layer of subservience to the act of bowing itself.

   Overall, bow and scrape refers to the act of showing excessive deference and obsequiousness, often with an intention to flatter or gain favor. It is characterized by exaggerated physical gestures, such as bowing deeply and scraping the foot, meant to symbolize extreme subservience and demonstrate an individual's willingness to please and satisfy someone in a position of power or authority.

Common Misspellings for BOW AND SCRAPE

• vow and scrape
• now and scrape
• how and scrape
• gow and scrape
• biw and scrape
• bkw and scrape
• blw and scrape
• bpw and scrape
• b0w and scrape
• b9w and scrape
• boq and scrape
• boa and scrape
• bos and scrape
• boe and scrape
• bo3 and scrape
• bo2 and scrape
• bow znd scrape
• bow snd scrape
• bow wnd scrape
• bow qnd scrape

Idioms with the word BOW AND SCRAPE

• bow and scrape To behave with excessive deference or obsequiousness, especially towards someone in a position of authority or power.

Similar spelling word for BOW AND SCRAPE

• windscreen.