take a bow

Idioms  

1. Acknowledge praise or applause, as in The conductor asked the composer to take a bow. This idiom uses bow in the sense of “inclining the body or head as a token of salutation.” [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

take a bow

In an age when far too many politicians serve past their sell-by date, a leader who knows when to take a bow and go out with an encore is rare.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

Not everyone has the choice, but you do, so take a bow.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 5, 2026

"Will Jacks, take a bow," said former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior said on TNT Sports.

From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2025

Even so, Glass has always had an open mind, and he was on hand to take a bow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2023

He looked around as if he thought it was going to come out and take a bow.

From "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli