buckles down
Commits to work
To buckle down is to apply oneself with serious effort and concentration, especially to a difficult or unpleasant task: After weeks of procrastinating, she finally buckled down and finished the report.
The phrase suggests setting aside distractions and getting to work with determination.
- commitsPledges to do
- strivesMakes earnest effort
- concentratesDirects sustained attention
- perseveresContinues despite difficulty
- hunkersSquats on heels
applies · focuses · nose to the grindstone · endeavors · dedicates · struggles · digs in · engages · persists · labors · tasks · diligence · hits the books · deadlines · prioritizes · schedules · organizes · adversity
buckles downslacks off
Reduces effort deliberately
goofs off · coasts · slacks · procrastinates · dawdles
buckles downdrops the ball
Fails a key responsibility
lets loose · cuts loose · indulges · plays around · fools around
buckle, buckles, buckled, buckling, down, downed, downing, downs, downer