“Batten down the hatches” is a phrase that has been widely used in the English language for centuries. It is a nautical term that has come to be used in a broader sense to mean preparing for a difficult situation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “batten down the hatches” in detail.
Definitions
“Batten down the hatches” is a phrase that means to prepare for a difficult situation by securing everything that might be loose or movable. In nautical terms, it means to secure the hatches with battens to prevent water from entering the ship during a storm.
Origin
The phrase “batten down the hatches” has its origins in the world of sailing. The word “batten” refers to a thin strip of wood that is used to secure the edges of a sail or to reinforce a hatch cover. “Hatches” are the openings in the deck of a ship that provide access to the cargo hold or living quarters.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “batten down the hatches” means to prepare for a difficult situation by securing everything that might be loose or movable. Merriam-Webster defines it as to prepare for a difficult situation by making everything as safe as possible.
Associations
The phrase “batten down the hatches” is often associated with preparing for a storm or other natural disasters. It can also be used in a broader sense to mean preparing for any difficult situation, such as a financial crisis or a difficult meeting.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “batten down the hatches” include “prepare for the worst,” “brace yourself,” “get ready for trouble,” and “hunker down.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “batten down the hatches” include “let your guard down,” “relax,” “be unprepared,” and “take it easy.”
The same root words
The word “batten” is a noun that refers to a thin strip of wood used for reinforcement or support. It has roots in the Old Norse word “batna,” which means “to improve.” The word “hatch” is a noun that refers to an opening in a ship’s deck or the cover for such an opening. It has roots in the Middle English word “hacche,” which means “a small gate or door.”
Example Sentences
- The storm is coming, so we need to batten down the hatches and secure everything.
- The company is facing financial difficulties, so we need to batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.
- The team is playing against a tough opponent, so they need to batten down the hatches and focus on their game plan.
In conclusion, “batten down the hatches” is a phrase that has its roots in the world of sailing but has come to be used in a broader sense to mean preparing for a difficult situation. It is a useful phrase to have in your vocabulary, especially when you need to prepare for a storm or other natural disaster.