knuckles down
Applies oneself diligently
To knuckle down is to apply oneself seriously to a task, often after a period of distraction or delay: I need to knuckle down and finish this report.
The phrase suggests buckling in, getting to work, focusing.
Knuckles down is the third-person singular form: She knuckles down whenever deadlines approach.
- concentratesDirects sustained attention
- focusesConcentrates attention on
- zero inFocus with precision
- dedicatesCommits to a purpose
- commitsPledges to do
get serious · endeavors · strives · hunkers · apply oneself · nose to the grindstone · grind · diligence · industriousness · put in the work · applies · perseverance · roll up sleeves · brow · labors · grit · tenacity · hunch
knuckles downslacks off
Reduces effort deliberately
goofs off · loafs · idles · lazes about · procrastinates
knuckles downmesses around
Engages in aimless activity
fools around · plays around · blows off · dismisses · neglects
knuckle, knuckles, knuckled, knuckling, down, downer, downs, downed, downing