1
general::
Depart, withdraw, resign, as in After five years as chairman, I felt it was time I bowed out, or We'll have to beat them; they'll never bow out. [First half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): bow out (of something)
Fig. to retire or resign as something. • It’s time to bow out as mayor. • I think I will bow out and leave this job to someone else., Phrase(s): bow out (of some place)
to bow as one departs from a place. • The servant bowed out of the room. • The servant departed, bowing out as he left.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs