near the knuckle Definition

knuckle
noun

1. A joint of a finger, especially one that links a finger to the hand.
2. Cookery, etc the knee or ankle joint of an animal, especially with the surrounding flesh, as food.

verb

knuckled, knuckling
1. To touch or press something with the knuckle or knuckles.

Idiom: near the knuckle

colloq
Bordering on the indecent or obscene.

Etymology: 14c as knokel: related to German knochen bone.

Phrasal Verb: knuckle down to something

To begin to work hard at it.

Phrasal Verb: knuckle under

To submit, yield or give way.