bring to kneesbring (someone/something) to (their) knees
to destroy or defeat someone or something.
Sanctions were imposed in an attempt to bring the country to its knees.The strikes brought the economy to its 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.
bring to (one's) knees
To reduce to a position of subservience or submission.