buckle to or buckle down Definition

buckle
noun

1. A flat piece of metal or plastic, etc usually attached to one end of a strap or belt, with a pin in the middle which goes through a hole in the other end of the strap or belt to fasten it.

Thesaurus: hasp, catch, clip, fastener.
2. A curled, warped or bent condition.

verb, tr & intr buckled, buckling

1. To fasten or be fastened with a buckle.

Thesaurus: catch, clasp, close, connect, fasten, hitch, hook, secure.
2. Said eg of metal: to bend or become bent out of shape, especially as a result of great heat or force.

Thesaurus: bend, contort, crumple, distort, fold, warp, wrinkle, collapse, twist.

Derivative: buckled
adj

Etymology: 14c: from Latin buccula ‘the cheek-strap of a helmet', literally ‘little cheek'.

Phrasal Verb: buckle down to something

To begin working seriously on it.

Phrasal Verb: buckle to or buckle down

To get down to some serious work.

Phrasal Verb: buckle under

To collapse or give in under strain.