# buckle down

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/buckle-down
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To apply oneself to study, or a task or work; to focus on or take a serious attitude towards something; to put forth the needed effort.

## Examples

- I need to buckle down and finish this essay.
- With exams in two weeks, the students finally decided to buckle down and stop wasting time.
- After years of drifting between jobs, he resolved to buckle down, earn his certification, and build a career he could be proud of.

## Origin

From buckle + down.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.