bow out

Verb
  1. Remove oneself from an obligation (synset 202386122)
    "He bowed out when he heard how much work was involved"
    is a type of: retire, withdraw - lose interest
    subtypes: resile - pull out from an agreement, contract, statement, etc.
    same as: back down, back off, chicken out, pull out
    verb group: get out, pull out - move out or away
  2. Retire gracefully (synset 202385902)
    "He bowed out when he realized he could no longer handle the demands of the chairmanship"
    is a type of: retire - go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
    same as: withdraw
    verb group: retire, withdraw - withdraw from active participation

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