bow to pressure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bow to pressure" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to give in or submit to outside influence or force. Example: The company's decision to lower their prices was seen as a sign that they were bowing to pressure from their competitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today, Mr. D'Alema said he would not bow to pressure.

The New York Times

One British stalwart is refusing to bow to pressure, however.

The Guardian - Sport

It will not bow to pressure to do "dumb things".

The New York Times

1995 - The International Rugby Board suits bow to pressure and the era of professionalism begins.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Morin eventually did bow to pressure with an earnest apology on the company's blog.

The New York Times

But so far Netanyahu has shown no sign that he will bow to pressure from Washington.

The Guardian

"That outcry," Robinson says, "I think that meant that the unions had to bow to pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

The UN must not bow to pressure from Sudan's government to draw up an exit strategy.

The Guardian

I would be the last person to bow to pressure to drop the case".

The Guardian

The government says it will not bow to pressure from the nuclear energy companies.

The New York Times

Mr. Monegan believes he was ousted because he would not bow to pressure to dismiss Trooper Wooten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bow to pressure" when you want to convey that someone or something is yielding to a force or influence that is difficult to resist. It implies a loss of autonomy or a compromise of principles.

Common error

Avoid using "bow to pressure" when the yielding is voluntary or strategic. This phrase typically suggests a negative connotation of being forced or coerced, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bow to pressure" functions as a verb phrase, often used intransitively. It describes the action of yielding or submitting to an external force or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bow to pressure" is a common idiom used to describe yielding to external forces or demands. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While it's generally neutral, the connotation often suggests reluctance or a compromise of principles. Related phrases include "succumb to influence" and "give in to demands", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and implications of yielding, as it can suggest a lack of autonomy. Remember to avoid using it if the action is voluntary or strategic, as it is more suited for conveying coercion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cave in to pressure

This phrase suggests a complete and often reluctant surrender.

give in to demands

This alternative emphasizes a surrender to specific requests or requirements.

acquiesce to pressure

This alternative emphasizes tacit agreement or passive acceptance of pressure.

capitulate to demands

This alternative suggests total defeat and surrender in negotiation.

succumb to influence

This phrase suggests a yielding to persuasive or manipulative tactics.

bend to someone's will

The alternative suggest subordination of one's desires or intentions.

yield to persuasion

Here, the phrase highlights the act of being convinced by someone's arguments or reasoning.

submit to authority

The alternative suggest yielding to a recognized power structure.

defer to judgment

This phrases emphasize surrendering to someone's expertise or superior understanding.

comply with requirements

The alternative suggest conformity to established rules or regulations.

FAQs

What does "bow to pressure" mean?

The phrase "bow to pressure" means to give in or submit to an external force, influence, or demand, often against one's will or initial inclination.

What can I say instead of "bow to pressure"?

You can use alternatives like "succumb to influence", "give in to demands", or "yield to persuasion" depending on the context.

Is it better to "bow to pressure" or resist it?

Whether to "bow to pressure" or resist it depends entirely on the situation. Sometimes, yielding can prevent greater harm or achieve a compromise. Other times, resisting is necessary to uphold principles or prevent exploitation.

Can "bowing to pressure" ever be a good thing?

Yes, "bowing to pressure" can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when it leads to a positive outcome, resolves a conflict, or prevents negative consequences. However, it's crucial to assess the situation and ensure that yielding aligns with your values and goals.