knuckle under

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (file)

Verb[edit]

knuckle under (third-person singular simple present knuckles under, present participle knuckling under, simple past and past participle knuckled under)

  1. (intransitive, idiomatic) To yield or cooperate when pressured or forced to do so.
    • 1907, John Galsworthy, chapter 8, in The Country House:
      "Nothing shall induce me!" he said. . . . "The man is a ruffian. I won't knuckle under to him!"

Synonyms[edit]

Translations[edit]

References[edit]