knuckle under

verb

1. intr, adverb to give way under pressure or authority; yield

Idioms and Phrases

Also, knuckle down . Give in, acknowledge defeat, as in The dean refused to knuckle under to the graduate students' demands , or He was forced to knuckle down before their threats of violence . Presumably this idiom alludes to a kneeling position with hands on the ground, knuckles down. [Mid-1700s]

Example Sentences

That if a child were coming, Ken would have to knuckle under.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon which the man would knuckle under and go away forgiven, with a large order for more goods.

From Project Gutenberg

He had better knuckle under at once, as Dick had done, and enjoy a quiet time.

From Project Gutenberg

It's more for the lark of the thing, and to show Chard we don't mean to knuckle under, than for the sake of a show.

From Project Gutenberg

This ship I've built and loved like a child isn't going to knuckle under to any man living.

From Project Gutenberg