take a bow

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, perhaps Americans should take a bow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

"Absolutely, I had my tears at our final meeting where we joined hands and stood up. I said 'We still did great, take a bow."

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2025

As attendees began chanting his name, McBrain rose from his drum set to take a bow.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2024

Behind the curtain, the dancers rushed around, looking for their places to take a bow.

From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023