buckle under
Give in finally
To buckle under is to yield to pressure or give way under strain.
The phrase evokes structural collapse—a beam that buckles under weight, a person who buckles under stress: She finally buckled under and agreed to their demands.
It implies resistance that eventually fails.
- capitulateYield under pressure
- wave the white flagAcknowledge defeat formally
- submitPresent for consideration
- succumbYield to pressure
- bend the kneeCeremonial act of submission
concede · surrender · defer · relent · yield · cave · give in · bow · bow out · give up the fight · crumble · break · fold · acquiesce · throw in the towel · weaken · accept · cry uncle
buckle understand firm
Refuse to retreat
hold out · resist · stand one's ground · hold fast · dig in
buckle understay strong
Encouragement to persist
keep it together · hold up · persevere · endure · keep one's head
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