EnglishClub ESL Forums

Hi everyone,

My question is about the English meaning of 'They sit on my knee'.

Does the word 'knee' mean 'knee' or 'lap'?

Thank you!

It almost certainly intends to mean “knee”.

A (small) child can sit on your left knee or right knee or conceivably both knees.

Lap is also possible but if that is what they meant they would probably have said so.

In the phrase "They sit on my knee," the word 'knee' is often used to refer to your 'lap.' So, when someone sits on your knee, they're actually sitting on your lap. It's a bit of a figurative use of the word. Hope that clears things up for you! If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

If something or someone is on your knee or on your knees, they are resting or sitting on the upper part of your legs when you are sitting down.