What are the definitions of “buckle under”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept something under pressure, against your will.
They didn't like the ideas, but had to BUCKLE UNDER or face the sack.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buckle under”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buckle under is to accept something under pressure or against one's will. It often implies that someone is giving in to a difficult situation or demand because they have no other choice.
What are the different verb forms of “buckle under”?
| Root Verb | buckle under |
| Third Person Singular Present | buckles under |
| Present Participle | buckling under |
| Simple Past | buckled under |
| Past Participle | buckled under |
Example
She didn't want to work overtime, but she buckled under to keep her job.
Example
He buckles under the pressure of his boss's demands.
Example
They are buckling under the stress of their financial problems.
Example
She buckled under the pressure and agreed to the new terms.
Example
He had buckled under the pressure and signed the contract.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buckle under”?
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 under” 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
She buckled under the pressure of her workload.
Example
He buckled under when faced with the ultimatum.
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 under” 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
She buckled under the pressure of her workload.
Example
He buckled under when faced with the ultimatum.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buckle under”?
Good things to know
Does “buckle under” have an informal or formal tone?
Buckle under is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a work environment or in written communication.
