on one’s knees: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on one's knees’ mean?
The idiom "on one's knees" means to be in a position of extreme weakness or desperation.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom that means someone is very poor and has no money.
The idiom "out on one's feet" means to be extremely tired or exhausted, to the point of not being able to continue or function properly.
The idiom "on the skids" refers to a situation or person that is in decline or deteriorating. It can describe something or someone facing a loss of reputation, success, or stability.
The idiom "on the ropes" means being in a difficult or vulnerable position, usually in a competition or struggle.
The idiom "on the breadline" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
The idiom "on one's last legs" means being in a very weak or near-failing state, usually referring to a person, animal, or thing that is exhausted or deteriorating.
The idiom "on one's feet" means to be standing or upright physically, or to be financially stable and self-sufficient. It can also refer to being prepared and ready for action.
The idiom "on one's deathbed" refers to someone being in the final stages of their life, typically when they are fatally ill or dying. It implies that the person is very close to death, often used to emphasize the seriousness or urgency of a situation.
The idiom "on all fours" typically means being in a position where all four limbs are touching the ground, resembling an animal on hands and knees. However, in a figurative sense, it can also refer to being in a vulnerable or submissive position.
Kneeling Revelations
On one's knees is an idiom that is commonly used in the English language. It has roots in Old English, where it described a physical position of being on the knees. However, over time, the idiom's meaning has evolved to take on a figurative connotation.
In its figurative sense, being on one's knees suggests a state of vulnerability or submission. It indicates a situation where someone is in a position of extreme weakness or desperation, whether it be physical or emotional.
The idiom is often used in contexts related to pleading, begging, or supplication. For example, one might say "She was on her knees, begging for forgiveness" or "He is on his knees, pleading for help." These phrases emphasize the person's emotional state, highlighting their desperation and willingness to humble themselves.
Additionally, the idiom can also describe someone who is physically exhausted or unable to continue. For instance, one might say "After running the marathon, he was on his knees." This usage highlights the person's physical exhaustion and their inability to carry on.
Another related idiom is "on all fours." This phrase also involves a physical position, but it implies a different meaning. When someone is on all fours, they are on their hands and knees, resembling an animal rather than a person. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as when someone is crawling or searching on the ground. It can also indicate a position of subservience or obedience, similar to being on one's knees.
A similar idiom is "bring to one's knees." This phrase denotes an act of defeating or overpowering someone or something, causing them to submit or surrender. It implies a position of dominance, where the person or thing being brought to their knees is in a state of extreme weakness or defeat, unable to resist any longer.
Furthermore, the idiom "bend the knee" is related to being on one's knees. This expression is often used in the context of fealty or submission to a higher authority. When someone bends the knee, they are willingly placing themselves in a position of subordination or allegiance. It can indicate an act of respect, obedience, or even surrender.
Although these idioms have different nuances and contexts, they all share a connection to the physical position of being on one's knees. Whether it be a state of vulnerability, exhaustion, pleading, or surrender, these idioms convey a sense of extreme weakness or submission.
The idiom "on one's knees" is a versatile expression that captures the essence of weakness, vulnerability, or desperation. Its literal roots in Old English have evolved to encompass a wide range of figurative meanings in the English language. Whether used in relation to emotional or physical circumstances, this idiom serves as a powerful descriptor of extreme states. Its continued usage demonstrates its lasting relevance and impact on the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on one's knees" can be used in a sentence:
- After running up the steep hill, she was on her knees, gasping for breath.
- The economy was struggling, with many businesses on their knees, unable to recover from the financial crisis.
- He prayed every night, on his knees, for guidance and strength.
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