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."
inseparable
knuckle under
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To yield to authority, threats, or superior force after resisting; to submit reluctantly.
In plain English
To finally do what someone powerful wants, even though you didn't want to.
What does "knuckle under" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bow down so that one's knuckles touch the ground — a gesture of complete submission.
Actually means
To finally do what someone powerful wants, even though you didn't want to.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "knuckle under"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure demands authority threats boss government
How to conjugate "knuckle under"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "knuckle under" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "knuckle under" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.