Bend the knee Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɛnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈni
BEND thuh NEE
bˈɛnd/ /ðə, ði/ /nˈiː
BEND thuh NEE
Definition
To kneel down, often as a sign of respect or submission. Figuratively, it means to yield or accept someone else's authority.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in stories, fantasy, or historical contexts to show loyalty, respect, or surrender. Common in Game of Thrones and similar fantasy settings. In modern speech, can be used humorously or to discuss yielding to authority or pressure.
Spanish: arrodillarse - rendirse (figurado)Portuguese (BR): ajoelhar-se - se submeter (figurado)Portuguese (PT): ajoelhar-se - submeter-se (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 下跪 - 屈服（比喻）Chinese (Traditional): 下跪 - 屈服（比喻）Hindi: घुटने टेकना - समर्पण करनाArabic: ينحني الركبة - يستسلم (مجازي)Bengali: হাঁটু গেড়ে বসা - আত্মসমর্পণ করা (রূপক অর্থে)Russian: преклонить колено - подчиниться (переносное значение)Japanese: ひざまずく - 屈服する（比喩的）Vietnamese: quỳ gối - đầu hàng (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 무릎을 꿇다 - 복종하다 (비유적)Turkish: diz çökmek - boyun eğmek (mecazi)Urdu: گھٹنے ٹیکنا - سر تسلیم خم کرنا (مجازی طور پر)Indonesian: berlutut - menyerah (kiasan)
Example Sentences
He had to bend the knee to the new leader.
basic
The knight bent the knee before the king.
basic
They refused to bend the knee.
basic
In the end, everyone had to bend the knee or face consequences.
natural
I won't bend the knee just because everyone else does.
natural
You don’t have to bend the knee to every demand at work.
natural