tug one's forelock

== English == === Etymology === From a traditional gesture of respect to the higher classes, pulling down one’s front piece of hair or cap in a mock bow. === Verb === tug one's forelock (third-person singular simple present tugs one's forelock, present participle tugging one's forelock, simple past and past participle tugged one's forelock) (intransitive, idiomatic, often satirical or contemptuous) To show deference or obsequious respect. Synonym: bow and scrape ==== Alternative forms ==== pull one's forelock, touch one's forelock