kow-tow (noun): The Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead in the act of prostrating oneself, as an expression of extreme respect, submission, or worship. Figuratively, a kow-tow is “an act of obsequious respect.” As a verb, to kow-tow is “to behave in an obsequious manner.”
What is kowtow in Chinese?
kow·tow. (kou-tou′, kou′tou′) 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 fawn 1. n.
What does it mean to kow to someone?
The meaning of KOWTOW is to show obsequious deference : fawn. How to use kowtow in a sentence. Did you know?
What does it mean to kowtow to the bully?
kow-tow (noun): The Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead in the act of prostrating oneself, as an expression of extreme respect, submission, or worship. Figuratively, a kow-tow is “an act of obsequious respect.” As a verb, to kow-tow is “to behave in an obsequious manner.” Here are some examples from the media:
Did the Chinese perform the kowtow to the Russian Tsar?
kowtow to (someone or something) To seek esteem through deference to someone. Don't just kowtow to the boss—tell him what you really think! He'll respect you more for it. Legislators have been accused of kowtowing to corporate lobbyists following the repeal of the regulations. See also: kowtow, to.
What does kowtow mean slang?
to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom. noun. the act of kowtowing. Sometimes ko·tow [koh-tou, -tou] .
Why is it called kowtow?
Kowtow is derived from the Chinese word k'o-t'ou, which literally means “knock the head.” As a verb, kowtow has the sense of “sucking up” or "flattering." Maybe you're wondering when it would be appropriate to kowtow.
Is it kowtow or cow down?
You can tow a cow to water, but you can't make it drink. But the word that means bowing worshipfully before someone comes from the Chinese words for knocking one's head on the ground, and is spelled kowtow.31-May-2016
What is a sentence for kowtow?
1) Be polite, but don't kowtow to him. 2) I refuse to kowtow to anyone. 3) Her pride wouldn't allow her to kowtow to anyone. 4) We will not kowtow to the government.24-Jul-2020
What is kowtow Zheng He?
kowtow, also spelled kotow, Chinese (Pinyin) keitou or (Wade-Giles romanization) k'o-t'ou, in traditional China, the act of supplication made by an inferior to his superior by kneeling and knocking his head to the floor. ... Macartney refused to kowtow and went down on only one knee, as he would before the British ruler.
Is kowtow Japanese?
The term is used in Japanese politics such as "dogeza-gaikō" (土下座外交) which is translated to "kowtow diplomacy" or "kowtow foreign policy". In general, dogeza is translated into English as "prostration" or "kowtow".
Where did the phrase cow tow?
(In the late 18th century, some Western nations resisted performing the ritual, which acknowledged the Chinese emperor as the "son of heaven.") The word kowtow derives from Chinese koutou, formed by combining the verb kou ("to knock") with the noun tou ("head").
What does the term cow down mean?
Kissing someone's ass, being subserviant to another.02-Apr-2020
What is Cowtailing?
: a wool of the coarsest grade sheared from the hind legs of the sheep.
How do you pronounce kow tow?
Kowtow is pronounced "Ko - Toe" as opposed to "Cow - Tow".
How do you use Machiavellian in a sentence?
Machiavellian in a Sentence 🔉My supervisor is very sneaky and has been known to exhibit Machiavellian behavior in order to move up in the company.According to researchers, winning politicians display a Machiavellian personality that makes it easy for them to tell untruths.More items...
What part of speech is kowtow?
nounKowtow originated as a noun referring to the act of kneeling and touching one's head to the ground as a salute or act of worship to a revered authority.