bow out — withdraw gracefully (from a role, activity, or responsibility)
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
to leave a job, activity, or responsibility in a polite or dignified way, often because you feel it is the right time or to let others take over.
Say it like a native
Textbook After thirty years, she chose to retire from her position in a dignified manner.
Native After thirty years, she decided to bow out gracefully.
'Bow out' packs 'leave with dignity, at the right time' into the verb.
Pattern: bow out (of something)
In use
- After twenty years as CEO, she decided to bow out and let someone else lead the company.work
- If I were offered a better opportunity elsewhere, I would try to bow out of my current job professionally, making sure I leave on good terms.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He bowed out from the competition early.
✓ He bowed out of the competition early.
'Bow out OF' something, not 'from'.
Common collocations
bow out of— gracefully, of the race, at the top, quietly
Don't confuse it
'Bow out' is more formal and positive than 'drop out' or 'quit', which may imply giving up or failing. It emphasizes a graceful or appropriate exit.