buckle down

phrasal verb

buckled down; buckling down; buckles down
informal
: to start to work hard
You had better buckle down if you want to get good grades.

Examples of buckle down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After allowing the Saints to score on all four of their first-half drives, this Patriots defense, led by linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, buckled down in the second half. Chad Graff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 At that point, Fonseca really seemed to buckle down — and amp up the power — and managed to win the second set in convincing fashion 6-3. Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025 Airport shelves are lined with books telling women to buckle down, change your attitude, and work harder. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 Leading 24-7 entering the fourth quarter, the Wolfpack allowed a couple of strong drives from the Pirates before buckling down and pulling out the victory. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buckle down

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buckle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buckle%20down. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on buckle down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!