on one's knees
The phrase "on one's knees" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to denote physical kneeling or a state of vulnerability.
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Definition
A2General
(literal)In a position where one is kneeling on the ground.
Example
- She was on her knees, searching for the lost earring.
B2General
(figurative)In a state of submission or humility.
Example
- He was on his knees, begging for forgiveness.
B2General
(figurative)In a weakened or desperate condition.
Example
- The company was on its knees after the financial crisis.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on one's knees":
on bended kneetake a kneeget down onbow downon all fourson one's backbend the kneeflat on one's backbowing and scrapingon one's legsall fourson one's feetfall down onbow and scrapeat the feet ofon tiptoe