English Explanatory Dictionary

batten down the hatches

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To prepare for trouble.

Pronunciation

en-au-batten down the hatches.ogg

Word forms

batten down the hatches battens down the hatches battening down the hatches battened down the hatches

Etymology

From the practice aboard a ship of sealing hatches to prevent water getting below-decks in a storm by using covers secured by strips of material, called battens, firmly attached to the frame of the hatch opening.

Related words

kitty bar the door
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