Associations to the word «Kowtow»

Wiktionary

KOWTOW, verb. (intransitive) To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
KOWTOW, verb. (intransitive) To bow very deeply.
KOWTOW, verb. (intransitive) (figuratively) To act in a very submissive manner.
KOWTOW, noun. The act of kowtowing.

Dictionary definition

KOWTOW, noun. A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission.
KOWTOW, verb. Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner.
KOWTOW, verb. Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss".

Wise words

The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish your feelings - words shrink things that seem timeless when they are in your head to no more than living size when they are brought out.
Stephen King