bring somebody to their knees

bring (someone or something) to (someone's or something's) knees

1. To render a person or group submissive by weakening or defeating them. The general believes that such an attack will bring the opposing troops to their knees.2. To disrupt or halt a process or thing. Unfortunately, a broken printer has brought the mailing project to its knees. Many fear that all of these new regulations will bring the stock market to its knees.See also: bring, knee

bring somebody to their ˈknees

show somebody that they are weak; defeat somebody, especially in a warSee also: bring, knee, somebody