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bring (someone) to his/her knees

idiom

: to completely defeat or overwhelm (someone)
The general vowed he would bring the enemy to their knees.
often used figuratively
The increase in oil prices could bring the economy to its knees.

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“Bring (someone) to his/her knees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bring%20%28someone%29%20to%20his%2Fher%20knees. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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