Hi this is Tutor Nick P and this is Verb Phrase 152. The verb phrase today is to
kowtow to. Okay. Let's take a look at the note here. If someone kowtow to
another person in power or authority, he or she will give in will give in or give
in to and do whatever they want. Often in a way that shows respect for those in
authority. So you kowtow to someone. Okay. Let's continue.
Of course, kowtow is derived from. So it comes from... directly from the Chinese
word for kou tou which is formed using the word kuo which you know, is that
it's like a verb to mean to knock or to hit . To knock with a noun tou
head. The original and literal use was the act of kneeling and touching one's
head to the ground. You know, you've probably seen this in the movies or, or
many other places and it may be some show where somebody got down and they reach
their head actually touches the ground as a way of showing respect and authority to
those in power. Okay. Well anyway. Let's say we have three
examples how we used it in English anyway. So first one. In the end she will
have to kowtow to her boss's wishes if she wants to keep her job. Yeah. So she
might have to give in . Even though that sounds like she probably had a little
bit of a disagreement , it may be going on but in the end maybe she will eventually
give in. Number two. I will never kowtow to his demands. You know, we might hear
somebody say that in this way and they're not going to give in. That's it
All right. Deal No Deal. It doesn't matter. I'm not kowtowing to their demands. And
number three. In North Korea, everyone is expected to kowtow to Kim Jong Un. Of
course, the leader of North Korea. Anyway, I hope you got it . I hope it
was clear. Thank you for your time. Bye-bye.