knuckle under: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘knuckle under’ mean?
The idiom knuckle under means to submit or yield to someone's authority, pressure, or demands, especially when one is in a difficult or challenging situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knuckle down" means to get serious and focused, usually in order to complete a task or achieve a goal. It implies buckling down and applying oneself diligently and determinedly. The idiom is often used to urge someone to start working hard and stop procrastinating.
The idiom "knuckle sandwich" means to punch someone with your closed hand, typically hitting them in the face. It is a figurative expression used to convey the act of physically assaulting someone.
Knuckle sandwich is an idiomatic expression in American English that conveys the idea of physical violence, typically in the form of a punch. Its origins are unclear, but it emerged in the early 20th century and gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s.
The idiom "kick against the pricks" is an interesting and somewhat enigmatic expression with ancient Greek origins. It is derived from a line in the play "The Bacchae" by Euripides in the 5th century BC. Later translated into Latin as "calcitrare in aspidem," the idiom gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages.
This idiom means to adapt to a situation or circumstance without resisting or trying to control it. It implies going along with whatever is happening and not trying to change or fight against it.
The idiom "go along with" means to agree or accept something, often reluctantly or without enthusiasm.
The idiom "fork over" means to reluctantly give or hand over something, typically money or possessions, often under pressure or unwillingly.
The idiom "face down" means to confront or deal with a difficult situation or challenge directly and without hesitation.
The idiom "eat crow" means to admit a mistake or defeat and accept the consequences, often with humility and embarrassment.
Secret Submission
The idiom "bend the knee" is closely related to the phrase "knuckle under." Both expressions convey the act of submitting or surrendering to authority or pressure. While "knuckle under" emphasizes the physical act of pressing one's knuckles against a surface, "bend the knee" highlights the symbolic act of bending one's knee in a gesture of submission. Both idioms carry a connotation of yielding or giving in against one's own will or desires.
Similarly, the idiom "give in" is synonymous with "knuckle under." It signifies surrendering or yielding, often in the face of opposition or pressure. Whether it's giving in to someone's demands or compromising on a decision, both phrases emphasize the act of succumbing to external forces. "Give in" and "knuckle under" demonstrate a willingness to let go of one's own position or desires in favor of someone else's.
In addition, the idiom "cave in" shares a similar meaning to "knuckle under." It refers to yielding or surrendering under pressure or adversity. The imagery evoked by "cave in" suggests the collapsing or crumbling of a structure, symbolizing a loss of resistance or resilience. "Cave in" and "knuckle under" both depict a sense of giving way or giving up in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Furthermore, the idiom "knuckle down" is related to "knuckle under" but conveys a different nuance. While "knuckle under" implies submission or surrender, "knuckle down" emphasizes the act of applying oneself diligently or focusing one's efforts. It suggests a commitment to hard work or serious task completion, often in the face of challenges or distractions. "Knuckle down" and "knuckle under" both involve a sense of determination, albeit in different contexts.
Lastly, the idiom "bow down" shares similarities with "knuckle under" in terms of submissive behavior. Both phrases involve yielding or surrendering to authority, although "bow down" specifically refers to the act of bowing as a sign of respect or reverence. The act of bowing down acknowledges someone's superior position or power and demonstrates deference or obeisance. "Bow down" and "knuckle under" both portray an act of submission or deference to a higher authority or power.
It's important to note that these related idioms, including "bend the knee," "give in," "cave in," "knuckle down," and "bow down," are all expressions of submission or surrender in different contexts. While they may have different origins and imagery, they share a common theme of yielding to external authority or pressure.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "knuckle under" can be used in a sentence:
- She refused to knuckle under to the pressure and stood her ground.
- The team decided to knuckle under and accept the coach's decision, even if they disagreed.
- After a long argument with her parents, Sarah finally knuckled under and agreed to their rules.
More "Submission" idioms
