under the yoke
In forced servitude
Under the yoke describes a state of oppression, subjugation, or forced servitude.
The phrase derives from the wooden frame placed across the necks of oxen to harness them for labor, and by extension, the yoke that conquered peoples were sometimes made to pass beneath as a symbol of submission.
Someone living under the yoke of a dictator or under the yoke of debt is burdened and controlled by an external force.
The peasants toiled under the yoke of feudal lords for generations.
- helplessnessLacking ability to cope
- servitudeCompulsory labor under masters
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- bondageInvoluntary subjugation to another
- ball and chainFetter limiting prisoner movement
tyranny · iron fist · rebellion · emancipation · coercion · oppression · submission · domination · shackles · forced labor · exploitation · sovereignty · autonomy · slavery · despair · serfdom · fear · defiance
under the yokefree
Without payment or restriction
liberated · emancipated · at liberty · unshackled · unfettered
under the yokein control
Managing with authority
holding the reins · at the helm · in the driver's seat · in power · ruling
under, yoke, yoked, yoking, yokes, unyoked, underlying, undergo, undergone