knuckled down
Applied oneself diligently
Knuckled down is the past tense of knuckle down, meaning to apply oneself seriously to a task.
The phrase suggests buckling in and focusing: After weeks of procrastination, she finally knuckled down and finished the report.
The image is of settling firmly into position, like knuckles pressed to a surface.
- commitBind to a course
- concentrateReduced, potent form
- effortApplied energy toward goals
- applyPut into operation
- dug inEstablished a fortified position
focus · nose to the grindstone · resolve · tenacity · grit · intensity · steadfastness · fortitude · strive · resilience · diligence · put in the work · dedication · perseverance · attentiveness · laboriousness · determination · endeavor
knuckled downslacked off
Reduced one's effort
goofed off · loafed · lazed about · coasted · procrastinated
knuckled downgave in
Stopped resisting pressure
gave up · threw in the towel · caved · surrendered · quit
knuckle, knuckled, knuckling, knuckles, down, downed, downing, downs, downer