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."
buckle to
C1 informal intransitive
To begin working hard and energetically; to apply oneself vigorously to a task.
In plain English
To get started on your work and give it everything you've got.
What does "buckle to" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten or attach a buckle, readying oneself for physical effort.
Actually means
To get started on your work and give it everything you've got.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "buckle to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
work task job effort chores
How to conjugate "buckle to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "buckle to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "buckle to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "buckle to"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.