The phrase "knuckled under" means to submit to someone or something, and it is spelled phonetically as /ˈnʌkəld ˈʌndər/. The reason for this relatively unusual spelling is that it reflects the word's origins as an idiom rooted in physical actions. "Knuckled" refers to the bony protuberances of the human hand, and "under" refers to the act of bending or lowering oneself. So when someone "knuckles under," they are figuratively bowing to a superior force or authority.
Knuckled under is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of surrendering, yielding or submitting to pressure, authority, or a difficult situation. It is often used to describe a situation in which someone reluctantly gives in or submits to the demands or control of others.
When a person "knuckles under," they accept defeat, give up their resistance, or abandon their own principles or desires in order to conform to someone else's wishes, expectations or requirements. This may occur as a result of feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or powerless in the face of opposition or authority. In essence, it implies a lack of assertiveness or personal autonomy.
The phrase "knuckled under" is believed to have originated from the imagery of a person bowing down subserviently, thereby placing their knuckles on the ground in a gesture of obedience or submission. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone who compromises their beliefs or values to avoid conflict, a subordinate who surrenders to the demands of their superior, or a team or individual who is forced to acknowledge their defeat in a competition or dispute.
In summary, "knuckling under" signifies an act of capitulating, surrendering, or compromising in response to pressure or authoritative influence, often characterized by a sense of loss of personal integrity or control.
The phrase "knuckled under" is an idiomatic expression that means to submit or yield to someone or something. The term incorporates two distinct elements: "knuckles" and "under".
The word "knuckles" refers to the joints formed by the bones of the fingers, especially the bony protuberances when the hand is clenched into a fist. It is derived from the Middle English word "knokel", which stems from the Old English word "cnyccle".
The term "under" in this context signifies being in a lower or subordinate position to someone or something else. It comes from the Old English word "under", which has a similar meaning.
When combined, the phrase "knuckled under" describes the act of bending or yielding to someone or something, as if one is lowering their knuckles beneath a superior force or authority.