take a bow /ˈteɪk ə ˈbaʊ/ verb4 •To bow (gesture of deference). •To accept praise, as performers in a theater at the end of their act. •To take credit or blame for a particular outcome or circumstance.The years we spent together were the worst years of my life. You can take a bow. •To end a performance; to leave. formstook a bow · taken a bow · taking a bow · takes a bow