knuckle down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To begin working hard and seriously on a task, especially after a period of delay or laziness; to apply oneself with determination and focus.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of starting to work diligently and with concentrated effort. It often implies a shift from a less serious or procrastinating attitude to a committed one. It is typically followed by the preposition "to" when specifying the task.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "knuckle down to (something)": To apply serious effort to a specific task or piece of work.
- He finally knuckled down to the tedious paperwork.
Variants and Related Words
- Buckle down (verb): A synonym with a very similar meaning of starting to work hard.
- You need to buckle down and practice.
Synonyms
- Apply oneself
- Get down to work
- Buckle down
- Work diligently
Related Phrasal Verbs
(This word is itself a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs with 'knuckle' have different meanings.) - Knuckle under: To submit or yield to authority or pressure. - He refused to knuckle under to their demands.
Related Idioms
- Put one's nose to the grindstone: To work hard and steadily.
- She put her nose to the grindstone to get the promotion.
Verb
- work very hard, like a slave