Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

batten-down-the-hatches

idiom

/ˈbætən daʊn ðə ˈhæʧɪz/

Definition

To prepare for a difficult or challenging situation.

Examples

When the storm warnings were issued, the crew had to batten down the hatches and secure everything on board.
As the economy began to slow down, businesses started to batten down the hatches and cut costs.

Meaning

This phrase originated from the nautical world and refers to securing the hatches on a ship to prevent water from entering during rough weather. It is now commonly used to mean getting ready for any kind of trouble or crisis.