buckles up

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   Fastens a seat belt in a car, plane, or similar vehicle.

   Grammar: Used intransitively; often in the imperative 'Buckle up!' as a safety instruction.

   Patterns

   • buckle up
   • buckle up in something

   Please buckle up before we start driving.

   The flight attendant told everyone to buckle up for landing.

   She buckled up as soon as she got in the car.

2. 2phrasephrasal verbfigurative

   Gets ready for something difficult, challenging, or exciting that is about to happen.

   Grammar: Used figuratively, often in the imperative 'Buckle up!' to warn of a rough or busy time ahead.

   Patterns

   • buckle up
   • buckle up for something

   Buckle up — this is going to be a tough week.

   Investors should buckle up for a bumpy ride in the markets.

   Buckle up, everyone: the storm is coming.

Word forms

Common combinations

buckle up for safety

The sign reminds passengers to buckle up for safety.

buckle up tightly

Make sure the child seat is buckled up tightly.

buckle up before

You must buckle up before the car moves.

buckle up and enjoy

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Synonyms and how they differ

fasten your seat belt

More formal and explicit; 'buckle up' is shorter and more conversational.

strap in

Used especially for aircraft or racing cars; 'buckle up' is the general everyday term.

belt up

British informal; in American English 'buckle up' is the standard phrase.

Opposites

Word family

buckle noun

A metal or plastic fastener on a belt, shoe, or strap.

buckle verb

To fasten something with a buckle.

Practice

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