“Battened on” is a phrase that is used to describe a situation where someone is taking advantage of a situation or person for their own benefit. This phrase has been used in various contexts, including politics, business, and personal relationships. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of “battened on.”
Definitions
The phrase “battened on” means to take advantage of something or someone for personal gain. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is exploiting a resource or situation to their advantage. The phrase is often used in a negative context, suggesting that the person is being greedy or selfish.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “battened on” is not clear. However, it is believed to have originated from the practice of battening down hatches on a ship. This was done to secure the hatches during a storm or rough weather. The phrase “battened on” was later used to describe someone who was taking advantage of a situation or resource in a similar way.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “battened on” means to thrive or prosper at the expense of others. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as to grow or thrive at the expense of others. The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as to take advantage of a situation to benefit oneself.
Associations
The phrase “battened on” is often associated with greed, selfishness, and exploitation. It is also associated with taking advantage of a situation or resource without regard for others.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “battened on” include:
- Exploited.
- Took advantage of.
- Leveraged.
- Used.
- Benefited from.
- Profited from.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “battened on” include:
- Shared.
- Collaborated.
- Cooperated.
- Contributed.
- Helped.
- Supported.
The same root words
The phrase “battened on” does not have any root words.
Example Sentences
- The corrupt politician battened on the public funds for years.
- The company battened on the cheap labor of its workers.
- The landlord was accused of battening on the misery of his tenants.
- The wealthy businessman battened on the economic downturn to increase his profits.
In conclusion, the phrase “battened on” is used to describe a situation where someone is taking advantage of a situation or person for their own benefit. It is often associated with greed and selfishness. The origin of the phrase is not clear, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of battening down hatches on a ship. The phrase has been used in various contexts, including politics, business, and personal relationships.