bow out

Definition of Bow Out in English :

remove oneself from an obligation

Example Sentences:
'He bowed out when he heard how much work was involved'

2. bow out, withdraw

retire gracefully

Example Sentences:
'He bowed out when he realized he could no longer handle the demands of the chairmanship'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Bow Out

verb

(adverb; usually tr; often foll by of)

to retire or withdraw gracefully

to leave or retire formally or ceremoniously

to usher out (or in) with a bow

v. bowed, bow·ing, bows

v.intr.

1. To bend or curve downward; stoop.

2. To incline the body or head or bend the knee in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.

3. To yield in defeat or out of courtesy; submit. See Synonyms at yield.

v.tr.

1. To bend (the head, knee, or body) to express greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.

2. To convey (greeting, for example) by bending the body.

3. To escort deferentially: bowed us into the restaurant.

4. To cause to acquiesce; submit.

5. To overburden: Grief bowed them down.

n.

An inclination of the head or body, as in greeting, consent, courtesy, acknowledgment, submission, or veneration.