Cryptic crossword clue
Bow out of second-rate finale 4

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word BEND

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
E
N
D

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Bow" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bow = bend.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does BEND mean?

BEND noun
  1. A curve.
  2. Any of the various knots which join the ends of two lines.
  3. (in the plural, underwater diving, with the) A severe condition caused by excessively quick decompression, causing bubbles of nitrogen to form in the blood; decompression sickness.
  4. One of the honourable ordinaries formed by two diagonal lines drawn from the dexter chief to the sinister base; it generally occupies a fifth part of the shield if uncharged, but if charged one third.
  5. Turn; purpose; inclination; ends.
  6. In the leather trade, the best quality of sole leather; a butt; sometimes, half a butt cut lengthwise.
  7. Hard, indurated clay; bind.
  8. (in the plural) The thickest and strongest planks in a ship's sides, more generally called wales, which have the beams, knees, and futtocks bolted to them.
  9. (in the plural) The frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to the top of the sides.
  10. A glissando, or glide between one pitch and another.
BEND verb
  1. To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.
  2. To become curved.
  3. To cause to change direction.
  4. To change direction.
  5. To be inclined; to direct itself.
  6. (usually with "down") To stoop.
  7. To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.
  8. To force to submit.
  9. To submit.
  10. To apply to a task or purpose.
  11. To apply oneself to a task or purpose.
  12. To adapt or interpret to for a purpose or beneficiary.
  13. To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.
  14. To smoothly change the pitch of a note.
  15. To swing the body when rowing.

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