weak-kneed

/'wi:kni:d/
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weak-kneed

The dissenter stood firm, but the weak-kneed man quickly agreed.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Lacking strength of character, willpower, or resolution; easily intimidated or discouraged. This describes a person who is not firm in their decisions or convictions and gives in easily to pressure, fear, or difficulty.
    • Physically weak in the knees, often from fear or emotion. While less common, it can literally describe a feeling of physical instability in the knees.
Usage

The adjective "weak-kneed" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like be or seem). It is a critical term implying a lack of courage or steadfastness. - Attributive use: a weak-kneed leader, a weak-kneed policy - Predicative use: He was too weak-kneed to confront them.

Examples
  • The committee's weak-kneed response to the crisis disappointed the public.
  • Don't be so weak-kneed; you must stand up for your beliefs.
  • Facing the angry crowd, he felt suddenly weak-kneed.
  • The role of the dissenter is not for the weak-kneed.
Advanced Usage
  • "Weak-kneed acceptance/compliance": Uncritically agreeing or going along with something due to a lack of resolve.
    • Their weak-kneed acceptance of the unfair terms cost the company dearly.
  • Used in political or social commentary to criticize a lack of decisive action.
    • The editorial accused the government of weak-kneed diplomacy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Weak-kneedness (n.): The state or quality of being weak-kneed. (Note: This is a derived noun form, not a standalone common word but used for clarity.)
  • Weakness (n.): A more general term for a lack of strength.
  • Irrésolute (adj.): A formal synonym meaning uncertain how to act or proceed.
Synonyms
  • Irrésolute
  • Spineless
  • Timid
  • Faint-hearted
  • Wishy-washy (informal)
  • Indecisive
Antonyms
  • Strong-willed
  • Resolute
  • Steadfast
  • Courageous
  • Unyielding
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • To have no backbone/spine: An idiom with a very similar meaning to being weak-kneed, implying a lack of courage or moral strength.
    • The manager has no backbone when dealing with upper management.
  • To be pushed around: To be easily controlled or dominated by others, often due to being weak-kneed.
    • He's too weak-kneed and lets himself be pushed around.
weak-kneed

The dissenter stood firm, but the weak-kneed man quickly agreed.

Adjective
  1. lacking will power or resolution
    • the role of the dissenter is not for the weak-kneed

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