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Kowtow
01
a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
kowtows
to kowtow
01
to attempt at pleasing an authority by excessively flattering and obeying them
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
kowtow
3rd person singular
kowtows
Present participle
kowtowing
Past simple
kowtowed
Past participle
kowtowed
Examples
Some employees kowtow to the CEO, hoping to gain favor or promotions.
02
bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
