Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Wow that's Robbie Williams, that's who I'm playing, don't mess it up. I probably did because voice was going and knees were buckling."
From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2024
The Lakers were buckling in the early years of LeBron James while West watched from the Clippers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2024
When he was told Smith had stayed true to the Buckeyes, the coach asked “Really?” and pretended as if his knees were buckling before letting out a deep breath.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 20, 2023
Across the country, state unemployment systems were buckling under surging demand.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 28, 2021
In the yard, men were buckling on swordbelts and cinching the saddles of their horses.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
