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Phrasal verbs "knuckle down" vs "knuckle under"

Differences between knuckle down and knuckle under

Knuckle down means to start working hard and seriously on a task or project, while knuckle under means to submit or yield to someone's authority or pressure.

Meanings and Definitions: knuckle down vs knuckle under

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Knuckle down

  • 1Make a great effort.

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

Knuckle under

  • 1Submit to authority.

    The teacher made the students KNUCKLE UNDER and hand their projects in on time.

Usage Examples: knuckle down, knuckle under in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

knuckle under

Example

The employees knuckled under when the boss threatened to fire them.

Example

He always knuckles under when his parents tell him to do something.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knuckle down

get down to business

To start working seriously and with focus.

Example

After procrastinating for hours, she finally decided to get down to business and finish her essay.

put one's nose to the grindstone

To work hard and diligently on a task or project.

Example

He knew he had to put his nose to the grindstone if he wanted to finish the project on time.

buckle down

To start working seriously and with determination.

Example

She realized she needed to buckle down and study harder if she wanted to pass the exam.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knuckle under

give in

To yield or submit to someone else's demands or authority.

Example

After hours of negotiation, he finally decided to give in to the other party's demands.

bow to someone's will

To submit or yield to someone else's authority or wishes.

Example

He refused to bow to his boss's will and compromise his values.

cave in

To give in or yield to someone else's demands or pressure.

Example

After weeks of resistance, she finally caved in and agreed to the new policy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “knuckle”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: knuckle down or knuckle under?

In daily conversation, people use knuckle down more often than knuckle under. This is because knuckle down is used for more positive actions such as focusing on work or studying. Knuckle under is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about giving in to someone else's demands or authority. So, while both phrases are used, knuckle down is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Knuckle down and knuckle under are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

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

The tone of knuckle down and knuckle under can differ based on context. Knuckle down often carries a determined or motivated tone when related to working hard, while knuckle under typically has a submissive or defeated tone, especially when referring to giving in to someone else's demands or authority.

knuckle down & knuckle under: Synonyms and Antonyms

Knuckle down

Synonyms

Antonyms

Knuckle under

Antonyms

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