Phrase guide

knuckle down

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To get to work; to focus on a task.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • You should knuckle down and do your homework!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To submit; knuckle under.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

work very hard, like a slave

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: slave, break one's back, buckle down

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: work, do work

History

Etymology

1864 in American English, from the game of marbles.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ryhtyä hommiin — to get to work
  • French: se mettre au travail — to get to work
  • Polish: brać się — to get to work
  • Polish: wziąć się — to get to work
  • Romanian: se pune pe treabă — to get to work
  • Romanian: se apuca de lucru — to get to work