batten down the hatches

Idioms and Phrases

Prepare for trouble, as in Here comes the boss—batten down the hatches . This term originated in the navy, where it signified preparing for a storm by fastening down canvas over doorways and hatches (openings) with strips of wood called battens . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

The prime minister will be wanting to "get things sorted out, batten down the hatches and get things moving forward," Baroness Harman said.

From BBC

Batten down the hatches: We’re facing “economic headwinds.”

From Los Angeles Times

Batten down the hatches: We’re facing “economic headwinds.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now TV’s top prizes must batten down the hatches for a major contraction.

From Los Angeles Times

Now TV’s top prizes must batten down the hatches for a major contraction.

From Los Angeles Times