bow the knee


bow the knee

To show one's deference. This phrase can literally refer to the physical act of kneeling or it can be figurative. They can threaten me all they want—I still refuse to bow the knee to them. Once we're standing before the king tonight, we must bow the knee.See also: bow, knee

bow (or bend) the knee (to)

kneel in submission; submit.See also: bow, knee