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

The musicians pounded their feet on the Davies Symphony Hall stage, resisting Salonen’s urgings to stand and take a bow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2025

Claudia, the players, the producers, the stylists... everyone involved needs to take a bow.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2024

“I’m excited to see you take a bow this evening, even as a stagehand. And Kelly will be great as Charlotte, I’m sure.”

From "George" by Alex Gino