on bended knee
The phrase "on bended knee" often signifies a humble or earnest request, originating from the act of kneeling to show respect or submission.
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Definition
B2General
(formal, figurative)Making a serious and humble request.
Example
- He asked for her forgiveness on bended knee.
- The petitioners pleaded on bended knee for a resolution.
B2Physical Gesture
(literal)In a posture where one knee is bent and touching the ground, often to show respect or devotion.
Example
- He proposed to her on bended knee.
- She prayed on bended knee at the altar.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on bended knee":
on one's kneesbend the kneebow downtake a kneebowing and scrapingget down onbend overon all foursbow and scrapebend over backwards