to knuckle up
Pronunciation
/nˈʌkəl ˈʌp/

Definition & Meaning of "knuckle up"in English

to knuckle up
01

to prepare to fight or make fists

Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
up
Base verb
knuckle
Present tense
knuckle up
3rd person singular
knuckles up
Present participle
knuckling up
Past simple
knuckled up
Past participle
knuckled up

What does "to knuckle up" mean in street slang?

The structure combines "knuckle" (referring to the bony part of a fist) with "up" (indicating readiness or preparation), forming a verb phrase that describes preparing to fight. It is used to describe getting into a fighting stance, clenching fists, or showing readiness to engage in a physical confrontation, often as a response to a threat or challenge. People typically say "knuckle up" when daring someone to fight, such as "If you have a problem, knuckle up then."

Examples
Stop talking; knuckle up!
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