pass under the yoke

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. The modern English word "subjugate" stems from the Latin "sub iugum."

pass under the yoke (third-person singular simple present passes under the yoke, present participle passing under the yoke, simple past and past participle passed under the yoke)

1. (of a defeated army) To be humiliated by the victors.

• eat humble pie
• eat crow