What does the phrasal verb “buckle down” mean?

What are the definitions of “buckle down”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Start working hard, apply yourself.

  We had to BUCKLE DOWN and study for the exam.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buckle down”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buckle down is to start working hard or applying oneself to a task. It is often used when someone needs to focus on a task or goal, such as studying for an exam or completing a project.

What are the different verb forms of “buckle down”?

Root Verb	buckle down
Third Person Singular Present	buckles down
Present Participle	buckling down
Simple Past	buckled down
Past Participle	buckled 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.

Example

He is buckling down to prepare for his job interview.

Example

Last week, they buckled down and cleaned the entire house.

Example

We have buckled down and completed the assignment on time.

What kind of phrasal verb is “buckle down”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“buckle down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I need to buckle down and study for my exams.

Example

She buckled down to finish her work before the deadline.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“buckle down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I need to buckle down and study for my exams.

Example

She buckled down to finish her work before the deadline.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buckle down”?

Buckle down to something

To start working seriously on a task or project.

Example

After a long vacation, it was difficult to buckle down to work again.

Buckle down for

To prepare oneself for a challenging situation or task.

Example

We need to buckle down for the busy season at work.

Buckle down and do something

To start working hard on a specific task.

Example

I need to buckle down and finish writing this report.

Good things to know

Does “buckle down” have an informal or formal tone?

Buckle down is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'focus' or 'apply oneself' instead.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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