on one's knees
Begging or praying
On one's knees describes the position of kneeling, with knees touching the ground.
The posture implies supplication, prayer, or submission: He proposed on one's knees, The hostages were forced to their knees.
Figuratively, it suggests desperation or near collapse: The economy was on its knees, She was on her knees begging for another chance.
Earnest desperate requesting
- imploringUrgently requesting with emotion
- beseechingUrgently pleading for something
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
- supplicationHumble plea for help
entreaty · appeal · petition · mercy · clemency · forgiveness · desperation · humbling
Bending low, knees bent
- scrubbingCleaning by rubbing hard
- gardeningTending plants recreationally
- floorIndoor walking surface
- proposingPutting forth formally
genuflecting · crawling · bending · stooping · flooring · weeding · cleaning · tiling
Religious reverence and praise
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- prayerAddress to deity
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
- altarSacred ritual table
pew · chapel · reverence · piety · supplication · rosary · meditation · blessing
Forcing into submission
- servileExcessively submissive, lacking independence
- subservientExcessively eager to obey
- prostrateLying fully extended
- humiliatedMade to feel worthless
defeated · surrender · capitulation · dominated · powerless · conquered · vanquished · broken
begging
Earnest desperate requesting
- imploringUrgently requesting with emotion
- beseechingUrgently pleading for something
- grovelingDemeaning self-abasement before another
supplication · entreaty · appeal · petition · mercy · clemency · forgiveness · desperation · humbling · crawling
crouching
Bending low, knees bent
proposing · genuflecting · crawling · bending · stooping · flooring · weeding · cleaning · tiling · polishing
worship
Religious reverence and praise
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- prayerAddress to deity
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
altar · pew · chapel · reverence · piety · supplication · rosary · meditation · blessing · faith
subjugation
Forcing into submission
- servileExcessively submissive, lacking independence
- subservientExcessively eager to obey
- prostrateLying fully extended
humiliated · defeated · surrender · capitulation · dominated · powerless · conquered · vanquished · broken · yielding
on one's kneesstanding tall
Remaining proudly upright
upright · standing · erect · towering · lying down
on one's kneesdominant
Having superior influence
in control · on top · in the driver's seat · triumphant · ascendant
on one's kneesdefiant
Openly resisting control
triumphant · unbowed · victorious · head held high · on top of the world