knuckle under
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To finally do what someone powerful wants, even though you didn't want to.
Literal meaning: To bow down so that one's knuckles touch the ground — a gesture of complete submission.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To yield to pressure, authority, or threats after resisting; to surrender one's position reluctantly.
"Despite their protests, the union eventually knuckled under to management's demands."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To stop resisting a stronger force or difficult situation and accept an outcome one dislikes.
"He refused to knuckle under, even when the whole board voted against him."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in both British and American English. Carries a sense of unwilling defeat. Often used in political, workplace, or confrontational contexts. The phrase implies the person tried to resist but eventually failed.
Commonly used with
pressure demands authority threats boss government
Forms
Base
knuckle under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knuckles under
he/she/it
Past simple
knuckled under
yesterday
Past participle
knuckled under
have + pp
-ing form
knuckling under
continuous
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