touch your forelock

touch (one's) forelock

To show 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 regional managers touching their forelocks like fawning sycophants.
See also: forelock, touch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

touch (or tug) your forelock

raise a hand to your forehead in deference when meeting a person of higher social rank.
See also: forelock, touch
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

touch/tug your ˈforelock

(disapproving) show too much respect for a person of a higher rank or status: This is a democratic country and we don’t want people tugging their forelocks.In the past, people either took off their hats or pulled on their forelocks (= the hair above the forehead) to show respect.
See also: forelock, touch, tug
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • touch (one's) forelock
  • touch/tug your forelock
  • tug (one's) forelock
  • tug your forelock
  • on tiptoe
  • on tiptoe(s)
  • on tiptoe/tiptoes
  • tiptoe
  • Earth to (someone)
  • earth to someone