# knuckle under

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/knuckle-under
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cooperate or yield when forced or pressured to do so.

## Examples

- The employees had to knuckle under to the new manager's strict rules.
- After weeks of resisting the new policy, the staff finally had to knuckle under when the company threatened to cut their bonuses.
- Faced with the overwhelming pressure of the board of directors, the CEO was forced to knuckle under and accept the terms of the unpopular merger.

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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.