KOWTOW TO Meaning and
Definition
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Kowtow to is a phrasal verb which is generally used to describe a person's excessive or submissive act of showing respect, deference, or obedience towards someone else, typically a figure of authority. The term originated from the Chinese "koutou," which refers to the act of bowing one's head and touching the ground with the forehead as a gesture of deep respect or submission.
In a figurative sense, when someone is said to "kowtow to" another person or group, it implies that they are displaying unwarranted subservience or overly deferential behavior towards them, often in an effort to gain favor, avoid punishment, or meet their demands. This could involve compromising one's own principles, curtailing personal freedom or autonomy, or even going against one's own beliefs or values for the sake of appeasing or showing allegiance to the other party.
The act of kowtowing signifies a significant power imbalance, showcasing a dominant party and a subordinate party. It is widely understood that kowtowing is a form of extreme submission that goes beyond normal courtesy and respect. This phrase may be used to criticize individuals or groups who are seen as compromising their integrity, independence, or dignity by excessively yielding to the will or demands of those in authority. The term "kowtow to" emphasizes a sense of subservience, suggesting that the individual or group is sacrificing their own interests or principles for the benefit or approval of another.
Common Misspellings for KOWTOW TO
- jowtow to
- mowtow to
- lowtow to
- oowtow to
- iowtow to
- kiwtow to
- kkwtow to
- klwtow to
- kpwtow to
- k0wtow to
- k9wtow to
- koqtow to
- koatow to
- kostow to
- koetow to
- ko3tow to
- ko2tow to
- kowrow to
- kowfow to
- kowgow to
Etymology of KOWTOW TO
The term "kowtow" originated from Chinese culture. It is derived from the Mandarin word "kòutóu" (磕頭), which is a compound of "kē" (磕) meaning "to knock" or "to strike", and "tóu" (頭) meaning "head". In Chinese, "kòutóu" refers to the act of touching one's forehead to the ground as an expression of deep respect, submission, or worship towards someone of higher social status, such as an emperor, an elder, or a superior.
The term was introduced to English-speaking countries in the early 19th century by Western travelers and missionaries who observed this practice during their encounters with Chinese society. Over time, it became figurative and extended to mean excessively or servilely deferential behavior towards someone in a position of power or authority.
Idioms with the word KOWTOW TO
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kowtow to someone or something
The idiom "kowtow to someone or something" means to show excessive respect, compliance, or deference to someone or something, often to the point of submissiveness or sacrificing one's own principles or beliefs. It denotes an extreme form of obedience or submission.
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kowtow to sm or sth
The idiom "kowtow to someone or something" means to show excessive respect, deference, or subservience to a person or a thing. It refers to the act of excessively bowing down or behaving in a submissive manner to please or appease someone or something. It can also imply surrendering one's principles or sacrificing one's integrity to gain favor or avoid conflict.
