forelock-tugging

A show of excessive deference toward someone in a superior position. An allusion to the former act of pulling one's frontmost hair in lieu of having a hat to tip. I hate being in meetings with the CEO because then I have to witness all of the managers' forelock-tugging. If you plan to attend the royal event, I hope you're prepared to do a lot of forelock-tugging. Thank you, gentlemen, but I think that's enough forelock-tugging. Let's get this board meeting started.

See also:

forelock
touch (one's) forelock
touch your forelock
touch/tug your forelock
tug
tug (one's) forelock
tug your forelock
on tiptoe
on tiptoe/tiptoes
tiptoe

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