buckle down

buckle down

1. To anchor or fasten something or someone in place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "buckle" and "down." Did you buckle the bikes down securely? Can you please buckle down the baby in her highchair?
2. To put forth maximum effort toward something, especially after not having done so. If you want to get a passing grade this semester, you'll really need to buckle down and study hard.
See also: buckle, down
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

buckle someone or something down

to attach someone or something down with straps that buckle together. They stopped to buckle the load down again. Did you buckle down the kids?
See also: buckle, down

buckle down (to something)

to settle down to something; to begin to work seriously at something. If you don't buckle down to your job, you'll be fired. You had better buckle down and get busy.
See also: buckle, down
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

buckle down

Set to work, apply oneself with determination, as in All right, we'll buckle down now and study for exams. Originating about 1700 as buckle to, the expression gained currency with the football song "Buckle-Down, Winsocki" (from the Broadway musical comedy Best Foot Forward, 1941). [Mid-1800s]
See also: buckle, down
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

buckle down

v.
1. To secure something or someone with straps that fasten together with buckles: Don't forget to buckle down the top of the suitcase before we pack it into the car. We took off our backpacks and buckled them down on the roof of the truck.
2. To apply oneself and start working seriously at something: I've wasted a lot of time, and now I have to buckle down and finish my homework.
See also: buckle, down
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • buckle
  • buckle up
  • buckle in
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • spiff up
  • spiffed up
  • angle
  • angling
References in periodicals archive
I would probably whistle and hum "Stars and Stripes Forever," although I've also prepared "Buckle Down, Winsocki" in case of an encore.
Uncivil liberties
'Now, we can buckle down to work and focus on deliberating the priority legislative measures of the President without the distractions of electoral campaign,' he added.
After Comelec moves COC filing, House to focus on priority legislative bills
With her permanency, Cabahug vowed ti further buckle down to work for the benefit of the public.
DTI confirms Bataan provincial director
They needed to buckle down and have confidence, but they let the ball drop.
X Only The Young not only [...]
Before his recall in July, the all-rounder had spent two and a half years out of the reckoning after selectors concluded that his lack of physical fitness and willingness to buckle down and improve were serious issues.
I've kicked my way to fitness: Sam
"So I really have to buckle down and just sit and figure it out," she said adding, "There's so much to do that I just feel like, 'Oh my God, I better get going!'" (ANI)
Kim Kardashian 'not being able to decide on her wedding dress'
"The game got loose at times and we needed to buckle down. Instead of throwing the ball around we needed to square up a bit more.
Heaslip unfazed; rugby ROUND-UP
But he insists it's now time to buckle down and prove he has what it takes.
Football: Fauldhouse a home at last for rover John; JUNIORS EAST
His opening acceleration is that of a decent four-bend performer, and Charlie Lister's dog can come out on top after a buckle down the back-straight.
Dog Racing: HALL GREEN TV8; Tony Bullen's Blue Riband verdict
"Now I want to buckle down and a cup run would be great."
Football: ALEX: WE HAD A MONTH OFF; HAMILTON v LIVINGSTON Saturday, kick-off 3pm
"It is an ideal chance to put last week's debacle behind us, buckle down, regain some pride and start out on a cup run," said Jeffrey.
Town look for a welcome boost; NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Besides Oakstone, other HCC units include Audio Adventures (Prince Frederick, MD), Buckle Down Publishing (Iowa City, IA), Chelsea House Publishers (Langhorne, PA), Newbridge Educational Publishing (Northborough, MA), Options Publishing (Merrimack, NH), Recorded Books (Prince Frederick, MD), Sundance Publishing (Northborough, MA) and Triumph Learning (New York).
Haights Cross Communications acquires CMEinfo.com & Scott Publishing
Buckle down for some drama, but offset the stress with a little MTV Yoga or meditating or both.
Star signs
I cannot fault the players for their effort and now we must buckle down in a bid to retain our league title."
Fed's dream ended