idiom question

[kengr]

I'm sure we've all encountered the phrase "bowing and scraping". But what I'm wondering is what exactly constitutes the "scraping" part.

Anybody know?

Comments

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

When bowing isn't enough, petitioners to some Indian royal courts were expected to prostrate themselves on the floor. Some even required those seeking an audience to belly crawl to the throne.

"Bowing and scraping" is therefore the maximum deference to someone.

I know this because of my Great-Grandfather's service in India.