English Explanatory Dictionary

pass under the yoke

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. Of a defeated army, to be humiliated by the victors.

Word forms

pass under the yoke passes under the yoke passing under the yoke passed under the yoke

Etymology

The practice of passing under the yoke (Latin: sub iugum) was a ritual humiliation of enemies practiced by the people of ancient Italy, most notably the Romans and Samnites. Hence, the modern English word subjugate stems from the Latin "sub iugum", meaning under the yoke.

Related words

eat crow eat humble pie
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