ON ONE'S KNEES

adj. phr. 1. Pleading; begging very hard. The boys were on their knees for hours before their parents agreed to their camping plans. The Jacksons won't contribute to the Red Cross unless you get on your knees. 2. In a very weak condition; near failure. When the graduates of the school heard that it was on its knees they gave money generously so that it would not close.