bring someone low—defeat smb. or force into a humble position:
- The cruel rulers were brought low by the determined action of the people.
lay someone low—
1. knock smb. to the ground:
- With one blow, the experienced fighter laid his young opponent low.
2. (of a disease) make a person take to bed (usually Passive):
- I’ve been laid low with this terrible cough most of the winter.
3. = bring someone low:
- Someone who all his life had played tennis and softball shouldn’t be thus laid low.