PhrasesHub

Knuckle down

    Definitions

      • start working hard and seriously
        Encourage someone to focus and apply themselves diligently to a task or goal

      • take a serious approach to something
        Emphasize the need for a dedicated and committed attitude towards a particular endeavor

    Examples of Knuckle down

    • "It's time for us to knuckle down and focus on our studies. The mid-term exams are just around the corner and we cannot afford to slack off any longer."

      "In this example, 'knuckle down' means to work hard and concentrate on a task, often used in the context of studying or completing a challenging project. It comes from the idea that one might grip their knuckles tightly in order to summon the strength and determination needed to see something through to completion."

    • "My boss told me that I need to knuckle down and put in some extra hours at the office if I want to earn that promotion. It's crunch time, and the company can't afford to have any slackers on the team."

      "Here, 'knuckle down' is used to emphasize the idea that the person speaking must work harder and more diligently in order to achieve a goal. In this context, it often refers to the need to put in extra time and effort in order to meet a particular target or objective."

    • "After a long and grueling season, the team knuckled down and prepared for the championship game. They knew it would be a tough challenge, but they were determined to give it their all."

      "In this example, 'knuckle down' signifies the need for focus and determination when facing a difficult or challenging situation. It's often used in sports, as athletes prepare for a decisive match or battle, or in other contexts where the stakes are particularly high."

    • "Once the initial excitement of the project had worn off, we knew it was time to knuckle down and get serious about our work. We had to put in the necessary hours and effort if we wanted to make it a success."

      "In this instance, 'knuckle down' refers to the need to focus and concentrate after an initial period of excitement or stimulation has died down. It's often used in business or creative endeavors when the initial enthusiasm has given way to the need for serious commitment and dedication over a more prolonged period of time."

    • Alice knew she had a lot of work to do for her upcoming project, so she sat down at her desk and knuckled down for several hours without any distractions.

      To knuckle down means to focus and work hard on a task, especially when it's difficult or requires a lot of effort. Alice's decision to knuckle down helped her make significant progress on her project and improve her chances of success.

    • The coach yelled at his team to knuckle down and give it their all if they wanted to win the game.

      This use of the idiom is more verbose as the coach is explicitly instructing his team to focus and work hard in order to achieve their desired outcome. His use of the idiom motivates his team to buckle down and exert maximum effort during the game.

    • Our team has been struggling lately, but we can't afford to slack off or we'll lose the game entirely. It's time to knuckle down and do our best to come out on top.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a more concise but still effective manner. It highlights the urgency and importance of focusing and working hard, particularly in the face of adversity or difficult circumstances.

    • The student's knuckles turned white as she gripped her pen tightly and knuckled down to finish her exam.

      This example demonstrates the physical toll that can come with knuckling down, as the student clenched her fists in concentration and determination. This use of the idiom emphasizes the intensity and commitment required to truly focus and work hard on a task.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "knuckle down" is commonly used to urge someone to work hard and seriously, emphasizing the need for dedication and focus. It can also be used to describe someone taking a serious approach to a task or goal. Overall, the idiom encourages a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving success.

    Origin of "Knuckle down"

    The origin of the idiom "knuckle down" is believed to come from the game of marbles, where players would use their knuckles to shoot the marble. When it was time to play seriously and concentrate on winning, players would "knuckle down" by placing their knuckles on the ground for a steady shot. Over time, the phrase evolved to represent the idea of focusing and applying oneself diligently to a task. The idiom has since become a common expression to encourage hard work and dedication.