bow out

present singular third person bows out · participle present bowing out · participle past bowed out · past bowed out

1. idiomaticTo resign, or leave, with one's credibility or reputation still intact.

   Jane had a long spell as chairman, but bowed out after she had a child.

   3 more examples

   After 16 years not just at the heart of Europe but also at the head of the continent’s most prestigious symphony orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle bowed out as the chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic this week, in an emotional farewell concert in the German capital.

   2018 June 21, Martin Kettle, “Rattle bows out at Berlin with Mahler, Merkel and standing ovations”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 17 Aug 2018

   “Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right,” Parton, 76, wrote in a statement posted to social media. “I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”

   2022 March 14, Joe Coscarelli, quoting Dolly Parton, “Dolly Parton Bows Out of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 23 Mar 2022

   Joe Biden Is a Good Man and a Good President. He Must Bow Out of the Race. [title]

   2024 June 28, Thomas L. Friedman, “Joe Biden Is a Good Man and a Good President. He Must Bow Out of the Race.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 06 Jul 2024