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kowtow

   Also found in: Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.
kow·tow  (kou-tou, koutou)
intr.v. kow·towed, kow·tow·ing, kow·tows
1. To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, as formerly done in China.
2. To show servile deference. See Synonyms at fawn1.
n.
1. The act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground.
2. An obsequious act.

[From Chinese (Mandarin) kòu tóu, a kowtow : kòu, to knock + tóu, head.]

kowtow
Verb
1. to be humble and very respectful (towards): the senior editors accused each other of kowtowing to his demands
2. to touch the forehead to the ground in deference
Noun
the act of kowtowing [Chinese k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.kowtowkowtow - a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
bowing, obeisance, bow - bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
Verb1.kowtow - bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
bow - bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting; "He bowed before the King"
2.kowtowkowtow - try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss"
blandish, flatter - praise somewhat dishonestly
court favor, court favour, curry favor, curry favour - seek favor by fawning or flattery; "This employee is currying favor with his superordinates"
Translations
kowtow [ˈkauˈtau] vi to kowtow to sb → humillarse ante algn
kowtow [ˈkauˈtau] vi to kowtow to sb → s'aplatir devant qn
kowtow [ˈkauˈtau] vi to kowtow to sb → vor jdm dienern or einen Kotau machen
kowtow [ˈkauˈtau] vi to kowtow to sb → mostrarsi ossequioso/a verso qn


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Sacramento gives us our appropriations and therefore we kowtow to Sacramento, and to the Board of Regents, and to the party press, or to the press of both parties.
 
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