Batten down the hatches

usgb
phrase

Prepare for a difficult situation or for trouble to come.

Storm is coming. Time to batten down the hatches.
Visual representation of "batten down the hatches" - Prepare for a difficult situation or for trouble to come.

Often appears as...

  • going to batten down the hatches
  • start to batten down the hatches

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "batten down the hatches"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

It's often used metaphorically to mean getting ready for any tough situation, not just weather.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The exam week is near, we better batten down the hatches.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Tone

This phrase is casual and might be used in daily conversations among friends or colleagues.

Illustration for Informal Tone
Looks like a busy season ahead, time to batten down the hatches.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Idiomatic Flexibility

Can be adapted to various situations, not constrained to any specific type of trouble or difficulty.

Illustration for Idiomatic Flexibility
They're predicting economic downturn - let's batten down the hatches.
Visual representation of the word "Batten down the hatches"

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