idiom > face north Declare oneself a vassal
Contents
North to concede defeat
  Explanation: South to north side of Ancient monarchs, courtiers Meet the monarch is facing north, referring to surrender to others.
  Usage: Partial official; as predicate, object; containing derogatory
  Source: Qian Han, "Historical Records of Health Lu Jia Biography": "king should Jiaoying, north to concede defeat."
Thesaurus
bow one's head Declare oneself a vassal