Is bend the right word to use?

Lotinmaxceau · #1 (permalink) Sat Oct 10, 2009 5:13 am *Is bend the right word to use?*

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #103 "Charlie's Knees", question 10

What poor Charlie didn't know before was that Maria loved telling others what to do and so he had to do as he was told and ......... the knee.

(a) stretch
(b) pull
(c) lower
(d) bend

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #103 "Charlie's Knees", answer 10

What poor Charlie didn't know before was that Maria loved telling others what to do and so he had to do as he was told and bend the knee.

Correct answer: (d) bend
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is bend the right word to use?

Mister Micawber · #2 (permalink) Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:13 am *Is bend the right word to use?*

Yes
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

Saneta · #3 (permalink) Wed Sep 28, 2011 15:18 pm *Is bend the right word to use?*

1.in what context there is 'bend the knee'= Charlie surrendered in front of Maria and did what she had wanted him to do? or literally?
2. why not: What poor Charlie hadn't known before...etc.

many thanks

Mister Micawber · #4 (permalink) Wed Sep 28, 2011 15:24 pm *Is bend the right word to use?*

1-- Not literally. It is metaphoric of a lesser personage doing homage to royalty.
2-- 'Before' clearly identifies the order of past events, so past perfect is not called for.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

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