make one's bow

make one's bow,does it mean to begin (like make one's debut) or to quit? or both.

eg,

Our dictionary will make its bow in the spring.

I shall make my bow and go home,I'm very tired.

Thank you very much.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by forch

make one's bow,does it mean to begin (like make one's debut) or to quit? or both.
eg,
Our dictionary will make its bow in the spring.
I shall make my bow and go home,I'm very tired.
Thank you very much.

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"Bow in" means to make a debut.
"Bow out" (like an actor taking a curtain call) means to quit.

"make a bow" is ambiguous. It could be used for either. "Bow out" is more common though I feel.