Phrase borrowed from American football terminology to indicate a player or team running out the final seconds of a football game (the act itself consists of literally touching one's knee to the floor to facilitate the running of the game clock), "taking a knee" is the act of putting oneself in cruise control, usually in a work setting or some other undesirable situation. The individual is physically present, but his mind is not on his task, and there may even be some goofing off associated with "taking a knee." Mostly used by professional sports savvy men.
Since it is the Friday before a long weekend and I don't want to do any work, I'm "taking a knee" today.
by JeffP August 30, 2005
Declining someone’s invitation.
by Christine21 October 9, 2017
To disrespectfully kneel instead of standing up during the National Anthem to protest against politicians you don’t like, because of their discriminatory practices, racist views, or offensive comments.
Imagine if every time an employee or football player doesn’t like something about their CEO or president, they take a knee—aren’t there better ways to justifiably convey their anger or frustration?
by MathPlus October 1, 2017
"Take a Knee", the worst diss in sports. This term comes from American Football. Should you screw up during practice or worse, during a game, the coach tells you "take a knee" where which you go to the sideline and kneel down on one knee so that the team and audience can see your total humiliation. I first heard this term in 1984, though I know it has to originate from a date way before my time. My coach of at least 45 yrs. old at the time used this term.
Coach Says: Miss your read...Take a Knee. Miss your block...Take a Knee. Miss your hole...Take a knee.
Coach Says: Miss your read...Take a Knee. Miss your block...Take a Knee. Miss your hole...Take a knee.
Ex: God...mit John Doe! Get your blocks or you're taking a knee.
Ex: Je..s Freakin' Chr..t... that ball fell right through your hands, Take a Knee.
Ex: Je..s Freakin' Chr..t... that ball fell right through your hands, Take a Knee.
by ElCompaDelChuco April 3, 2007
To be interrupted in the act of performing cunnilingus on a frenchwomanin the lobby of your apartment by your housemate, ideally whilst wearing a waistcoat.
by Alexander McQueen June 17, 2011
The act of entering the restroom at work on a Friday evening, 30 minutes before leaving for the weekend, and taking a 30 minute long shit.
Every Friday from 4:30 - 5:00pm Matthew can be found taking a knee in the 4th to close out a successful work week.
by StoutSkeeze November 11, 2011
by Old Phardt December 31, 2022