What does knuckling mean?
Knuckling has a literal meaning involving the action of the knuckles and a widely used figurative meaning associated with giving in. Literally, to knuckle is to press or rub the knuckles against a surface, often producing a knocking sound; this physical sense is now relatively uncommon. Figuratively, “knuckling under” means accepting defeat, yielding to pressure, or agreeing to demanding conditions after resistance has failed. The expression often suggests humiliation or reluctant capitulation rather than a voluntary compromise. “Knuckle under” is the more familiar form of the idiom, while “knuckling under” is particularly common in news and political reporting. In general use, knuckling is chiefly encountered in this idiomatic sense, where it describes the moment when someone or an organization stops resisting and concedes.
To press or rub the knuckles against a surface, usually to make a knocking sound.
"He knuckled the door softly and waited for an answer."
This literal sense is relatively uncommon and has a somewhat literary quality.
To submit or yield to pressure, defeat, or demanding terms.
"The negotiators refused to knuckle under to threats of retaliation."
Almost always used in the idiom “knuckle under” or “knuckling under,” with the connotation of reluctant or defeated submission.
Sometimes a defeated opponent does not fall; instead, they simply knuckle under.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does knuckling come from?
The word derives from knuckle, which comes from Old English cnucel, meaning a small joint, especially one of the fingers. The verb meaning “to yield or submit” developed through the expression “knuckle under,” with the present-participle form “knuckling” following the usual English pattern of adding -ing.
How knuckling is actually used
The physical sense is relatively uncommon and often literary. The idiomatic sense is chiefly found in the expression “knuckling under,” which has a somewhat formal tone and conveys reluctant or defeated submission.