Definition

Verb: - To yield or submit, especially after resisting or hesitating; to reluctantly agree or give in to pressure or authority.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of finally accepting something one initially opposed, often due to persuasion, force, or the inability to continue resisting. It implies a sense of reluctant concession. - It is typically followed by the preposition "to" when specifying the person, demand, or authority one is submitting to. - It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples

• After arguing for hours, he finally knuckled under and agreed to their terms.
• The company refused to knuckle under to the union's demands without a fight.
• She was determined not to knuckle under to the bully's threats.

Advanced Usage

• "knuckle under to [something/someone]": This is the standard construction to indicate the source of pressure.
  • The government was accused of knuckling under to foreign influence.

Variants and Related Words

• Give in (phrasal verb): To cease resistance; to yield. This is a very close synonym.
• Submit (verb): To accept or yield to a superior force or authority.
• Capitulate (verb): To cease resisting an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to surrender. This is a more formal synonym.
• Succumb (verb): To fail to resist pressure, temptation, or a negative force. It often implies a negative outcome.

Synonyms

• Give in
• Yield
• Submit
• Capitulate
• Succumb
• Relent
• Acquiesce

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Give in (to): The most common and direct synonym for "knuckle under."
  • He eventually gave in to her persistent requests.
• Cave in (to): To suddenly stop resisting and agree to something, often under pressure.
  • The negotiators caved in to the last-minute demands.
• Buckle under (the pressure/strain): To collapse or give way under pressure. It can be used literally for physical objects or figuratively for people.
  • The shelf buckled under the weight of the books.
  • Many students buckle under the pressure of exams.

Verb

1. consent reluctantly