knuckle

Everyday

1. One of the joints of your fingers, especially where the fingers join the hand. tree →
2. A joint of meat from an animal's leg, as in pork knuckle. tree →
3. «knuckle down» — to start working hard. tree →
4. «knuckle under» — to give in and obey. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health: the knuckles are joints. In maths: a trick to remember how many days each month has is counting on your knuckles (knuckles = 31 days). In everyday life: crack your knuckles, knock with your knuckles. Phrases: knuckle down, rap on the knuckles (a small telling-off), white knuckles (fear).

Examples

• He knocked on the door with his knuckles. tree →
• She grazed her knuckles on the wall. tree →
• Time to knuckle down and do your homework. tree →
• Use your knuckles to remember which months have 31 days. tree →
• My knuckles went white as I held the rollercoaster bar. tree →
• He got a rap on the knuckles for being late. tree →

Note

Countable. Silent k: said «nuckle». Myth: cracking knuckles does not cause arthritis; the sound is gas bubbles in the joint. «Knuckle sandwich» is slang for a punch (rough talk).