a politician accused of 'bending to the will' of wealthy supporters [=being influenced by wealthy supporters; doing the things that are wanted by wealthy supporters]
She's not really quite old enough to be admitted as a member, but she's very close, so I think we can 'bend the rule(s)' a little in her case and let her in now.
He was forced to ask for their help 'on bended knee'. [=he was forced to beg for their help; he was forced to ask for their help in a very humble way]
(..) orbiting around the sun. But in a black hole, the force of gravity is off the charts -- So strong, it sucks in anything nearby. It can even bend the light from distant stars. And if that light gets too close, The black hole swallows it. Think of it like this. (..)2010 TvShow: How the Universe Works Title: Black Holes Season: 1 Episode 2