as in to buckle (down)
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Recent Examples of knuckle down
After a 3-1 defeat at Fulham in September, Howe pulled Isak aside and told him to knuckle down.
—
George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
There is every chance Pepi may decide to knuckle down and keep pushing De Jong, as PSV chase a successful defense of their title and progress in the Champions League.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
There is every chance Pepi may decide to knuckle down and keep pushing De Jong, as PSV chase a successful defense of their title and progress in the Champions League.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle down
Verb
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Sauer has six pitches in his arsenal, mainly relying on a cutter, four-seam fastball, slider and sinker while also mixing in a split finger and occasional curveball.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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It’s been a long road, but one that has provided him with a chance to remain at the MLB level — and to pitch in the biggest games.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The wide, stretchy band creates a smooth fit that won’t dig in, while the wire-free design still provides light shaping and lift.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
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Engaging managers and peers to dig in and specifically name these capabilities helps separate nice-to-have traits from the skills that consistently move the business forward.—
Maureen Cawley,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20down. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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