A "submissive gesture" refers to a physical action or behavior that shows submission or deference to someone else. It can indicate a willingness to obey or yield to another person's authority or dominance.
Sentences with «submissive gesture»
The pit fighting breeds had the recognition and display of submissive gestures bred out of them. (samthedogtrainer.com)
Eventually, he will realize that you are not going to give up, and he will display submissive gestures. (abcantra.com)