1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To withdraw from a competition, election, or commitment, usually gracefully and voluntarily.
"She decided to bow out of the competition after realizing she couldn't give it her full commitment."
bow out
B2 neutral intransitive
To withdraw gracefully from a commitment, competition, or position, especially at the end of a career or role.
In plain English
To leave a job, competition, or situation politely and with dignity, often after a long time.
What does "bow out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To retire from a job, career, or position of responsibility, especially in a dignified way.
"After forty years in politics, the senator bowed out and announced he would not seek re-election."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bow (make a formal bow gesture) while moving out — as a performer bows at the end of a show before leaving the stage.
Actually means
To leave a job, competition, or situation politely and with dignity, often after a long time.
Usage tip
Commonly used in politics, sports, business, and entertainment to describe a dignified exit or retirement. The tone is almost always respectful. Often followed by 'of' (bow out of something).
Words that pair with "bow out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gracefully election competition race career deal
How to conjugate "bow out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bow out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bows out
he/she/it
Past simple
bowed out
yesterday
Past participle
bowed out
have + pp
-ing form
bowing out
continuous
Hear "bow out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bow out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "bow out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.