Phrasal verbs "buckle down" vs "knuckle down"

Differences between buckle down and knuckle down

Buckle down and knuckle down have similar meanings, but buckle down is more commonly used to describe focusing on a task or working hard to achieve a goal, while knuckle down is often used to describe getting serious about something or making a decision.

Meanings and Definitions: buckle down vs knuckle down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Buckle down

• 1. Start working hard, apply yourself.

  We had to BUCKLE DOWN and study for the exam.

Knuckle down

• 1. Make a great effort.

  I've got my exams next week and I haven't done much work, so I'd better KNUCKLE DOWN.

Usage Examples: buckle down, knuckle down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

buckle down

Example

It's time to buckle down and finish this project.

Example

She always buckles down when it's time to study for a test.

knuckle down

Example

I need to knuckle down and finish this project before the deadline.

Example

She knuckles down whenever she has a big test coming up.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Buckle down

get down to business

To start working seriously and with focus.

Example

We need to get down to business and finish this project before the deadline.

put one's nose to the grindstone

To work hard and diligently on a task or project.

Example

She had to put her nose to the grindstone to finish the report on time.

dig in

To start working hard and with determination.

Example

We need to dig in and finish this project before the end of the day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knuckle down

make up one's mind

To decide something after careful consideration.

Example

He finally made up his mind to quit his job and start his own business.

get serious

To start taking something seriously and with determination.

Example

It's time to get serious about our fitness goals and start working out regularly.

take a stand

To make a firm decision or take a clear position on an issue.

Example

It's time to take a stand and speak up against injustice and discrimination.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “buckle”

• buckle up
• buckle under

Phrasal Verbs with “knuckle”

• knuckle under

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• pipe down
• pare down
• pass down
• plonk down
• pat down

Differences in buckle down vs knuckle down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: buckle down or knuckle down?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but buckle down is more frequently used than knuckle down.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of buckle down and knuckle down

Both phrases are informal and suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings, it's better to use alternative expressions.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of buckle down and knuckle down

The tone of buckle down and knuckle down can differ based on context. Buckle down often carries a determined or focused tone when related to work or achieving a goal, while knuckle down typically has a serious or decisive tone, especially when referring to making a difficult decision.

buckle down & knuckle down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Buckle down

Synonyms

• focus
• concentrate
• commit
• apply oneself
• get serious
• work hard
• knuckle down
• bear down

Antonyms

• relax
• unwind
• procrastinate
• dawdle
• laze
• loosen up
• take it easy
• slack off

Knuckle down

Synonyms

• focus
• concentrate
• apply oneself
• work hard
• buckle down
• get serious
• bear down

Antonyms

• procrastinate
• dawdle
• relax
• loaf
• waste time
• laze around
• dilly-dally