How to Pronounce "kowtow to"
expression
KOW-TOW to, KOH-TOH to, tuh, ti
kow-TOW too
Definition
To act in an excessively obedient or submissive way toward someone important or with power, often to gain favor or avoid trouble.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkaʊˈtaʊ/, /ˈkoʊˈtoʊ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
British English
kˈaʊtaʊ/ /tˈuː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KOW-TOW to, KOH-TOH to, tuh, ti
UK
kow-TOW too
Listen in Context
She always kowtows to her manager and agrees with everything he says.
Some politicians kowtow to wealthy donors to get support.
You don't need to kowtow to people who treat you badly.
He refuses to kowtow to anyone, no matter how important they are.