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.

On the home straight, Klaebo had such a large lead that he glanced back at the empty track behind him and took a bow.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From MarketWatch

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

From BBC

Now all eyes turned to the footlights, as each dancer came forward to take a bow and bask in the applause.

From Literature

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