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buckle to

C1 informal intransitive
In simple words

To get started on your work and give it everything you've got.

Literal meaning: To fasten or attach a buckle, readying oneself for physical effort.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To start working hard and with energy, especially after a period of delay.

"Right, everyone buckle to — we've got a lot to get through before the end of the day."

Usage notes

Somewhat old-fashioned; more common in British English. Often used as an imperative. Similar in meaning to 'buckle down' but slightly more dated in tone.

Commonly used with

work task job effort chores

Forms

Base
buckle to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buckles to
he/she/it
Past simple
buckled to
yesterday
Past participle
buckled to
have + pp
-ing form
buckling to
continuous

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Synonyms

buckle down get to work knuckle down apply oneself set to

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