[VP; subj: human]
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⇒ to acknowledge one's guilt, usu. expressing repentance:
- X принёс повинную{{}}≈ X (humbly) confessed his guilt;
- [in limited contexts] X came cap (hat) in hand;
- [usu. of a criminal] X gave himself up;
- X turned himself in.
♦ ...Увидев, что правда на стороне головотяпов, [кособрюхие] принесли повинную (Салтыков-Щедрин 1). Only when they [the Skewbellies] saw that right was on the side of the Knockheads did they give themselves up (1a).
Большой русско-английский фразеологический словарь. — М.: ACT-ПРЕСС КНИГА. С.И. Лубенская. 2004.