Definition

Verb phrase: 1. To acknowledge applause by bowing one's head or body: To perform the physical gesture of bending forward at the waist or lowering the head, typically done by a performer on stage to thank an audience for their applause. 2. To acknowledge praise or accept credit: To formally or publicly accept recognition, congratulations, or credit for an achievement.

Examples

• Literal (acknowledge applause):
  • The actors came back on stage to take a bow after the final curtain.
  • The conductor turned to the audience and took a bow.
• Figurative (accept credit):
  • The team worked hard on this project and deserves to take a bow.
  • After solving the crisis, the manager was asked to take a bow at the company meeting.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in the imperative form "Take a bow!" as a direct command or enthusiastic suggestion for someone to accept applause or praise.
  • "You saved the day. Take a bow!"
• It can be used ironically or sarcastically to imply someone is being praised for something dubious or minor.
  • "You managed to spill coffee on the report and the laptop? Take a bow."

Variants and Related Words

• Bow (verb): To bend the head or upper body as a formal gesture of respect, greeting, or acknowledgment.
  • The violinist bowed to the roaring crowd.
• Curtain call (noun): The appearance of performers at the end of a show to receive applause.
  • The singer received three curtain calls.

Synonyms

• Acknowledge applause: Bow, curtsy.
• Accept credit/praise: Accept accolades, bask in glory, receive recognition.

Related Idioms

• Take a curtain call: Specifically refers to performers returning to the stage at the end of a performance to bow. This is a more specific synonym for the literal meaning.
  • The cast took three curtain calls.
• Tip one's hat (to someone): To acknowledge or show respect for someone's achievement (figurative).
  • I tip my hat to the engineers who designed this.

Verb

1. acknowledge applause by inclining the head, as of an artist after a performance
2. acknowledge praise or accept credit
   • They finally took a bow for what they did