bow out

/ baʊ /

verb

1. to retire or withdraw gracefully

Idioms and Phrases

Depart, withdraw, resign, as in After five years as chairman, I felt it was time I bowed out, or We'll have to beat them; they'll never bow out. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

When the strongest connection is no longer an option, why is there the impulse to continue instead of bowing out?

From Los Angeles Times

Jimmy Fallon bowed out of a planned appearance at the Fast Company Innovation Festival on Thursday.

From Salon

She bowed out of her professional career with Hummel's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, which she first heard at the Barbican as a young girl.

From BBC

But on Sunday - ahead of an internal leadership vote that could have forced him out - he bowed out, announcing his resignation.

From BBC

England, Scotland and Ireland all secured their spots in the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, but Wales bowed out.

From BBC

Related Words

• bail out 
• drop out 
• pull out 
• quit 
• retire 
• withdraw