bow and scrape
phrase
: to treat someone who is powerful or wealthy in an extremely respectful way especially in order to get approval, friendship, etc.
She's disgusted by politicians who bow and scrape before wealthy contributors.
Cite this Entry
“Bow and scrape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bow%20and%20scrape. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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