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 foursbeg for one's lifeon one's feetfall down onbow and scrapeat the feet ofon tiptoe