knuckling down
Applying oneself diligently
Knuckling down means applying oneself seriously to a task, especially after a period of delay or distraction.
The phrase suggests focused effort and determination: After weeks of procrastination, she finally knuckled down and finished her thesis.
It often implies setting aside diversions to concentrate on what needs doing.
- concentratingDirecting mental effort narrowly
- hit the booksStudy intensively
- focusingConcentrating on one point
- nose to the grindstoneDevoted to hard work
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
crunch time · burning the midnight oil · elbow grease · resolve · hunkering · determination · buckling · tenacity · committing · perseverance · putting in the work · study · dedicating · diligence · willpower · getting serious · resoluteness · single-mindedness
knuckling downslacking off
Neglecting responsibilities deliberately
goofing off · shirking · loafing · idling · coasting
knuckling downprocrastinating
Postponing what needs doing
putting it off · putting off · dragging one's feet · delaying · dilly-dallying
knuckling downspacing out
Losing focus temporarily
daydreaming · zoning out · drifting off · losing focus · woolgathering
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