Grovel

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(pronounced grov-ul or gruv-ul) verb

Definition

1. to act abjectly or in an extremely submissive or subservient manner; to debase oneself; genuflect. 2. to lie, creep, or crawl (with face downward) in a prostrate position, as in fear, obsequiousness, or servility. 3. to wallow in something base, dishonorable, or despicable.

Main Example

• As on most issues troubling our planet, Elon Musk has a plan on how to resolve the China-Taiwan imbroglio. In a recent interview, the billionaire suggested that Taiwan should hand some control to Beijing. (His exact words: "My recommendation...would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won't make everyone happy. And it's possible...that they could have an arrangement that's more lenient than Hong Kong.") Predictably, the Chinese were pleased but Taiwan was in high dudgeon over that comment. Some Taiwanese lawmakers accused Musk of groveling to China, one of Tesla's largest markets.

Workplace Examples

• I think the primary reason why Tom hasn't been promoted to VP--something he richly deserves--is his independent mindedness. You've seen him in action during committee meetings and the like--he is anything but a yes-man. Unlike other senior managers, Tom never grovels before top execs.

• You are right, I am deeply disappointed at not being invited to serve on the powerful new Capital Allocation Committee, or CAC. Every one of my colleagues thought that I'd be a shoo-in considering my credentials. But no, I am not going to do any sort of bootlicking or groveling for a position on the CAC.

Other Examples

• a coworker saying to you: "So, tell me, when you get home, how are you going to pacify your spouse for forgetting your anniversary today? Will a groveling apology, perhaps with dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant, be sufficient?"
• a colleague commenting: "As you know, I am a longtime Republican, but I'm extremely disappointed that a preponderant majority of my Party's candidates in the upcoming midterm election have embraced the "big lie'--at least in public. And of course, that's because they are groveling at the altar of Donald Trump thanks to his loyal fan base numbering in the tens of millions."
• a coworker saying indignantly: "I don't see any point in taking our objections to Robert, our manager. The guy doesn't show any spine when he meets with senior management. He is a toady. All he does when in the presence of a superior is grovel."
• to grovel in one's own sorrows or misfortunes
• many CEOs saying that a key ingredient of their success is having surrounded themselves with smart people rather than groveling employees or associates

• in China and North Korea, high level officials frequently uttering groveling statements praising President Xi and Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un respectively; somebody's groveling statement of apology

• during WWII, unlike other German military commanders, the outstandingly brilliant Field Marshal Erich von Manstein refusing to grovel to Adolf Hitler and, instead, arguing his points forcefully while discussing strategy and tactics

• in an August 15, 2020, article titled "Nigeria's demand for fancy wigs fuels a global trade," The Economist writing: "Some African feminists argue that to wear a long, straight-haired wig or hair extension is to grovel to Western ideals of beauty."

© 2022 V.J. Singal
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