bolt-hole

[ bohlt-hohl ]

noun

1. a hole in the ground, protected opening in bushes, etc., into which an animal can flee when pursued or frightened.
2. a place or avenue of escape or refuge:

   The remote mountain village was a safe bolt-hole for refugees during the war.

bolt hole

noun

1. a place of escape from danger

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolt-hole¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Reclaimed wood has a lot of old nail holes and bolt-holes that tell a little story,” Conta says.

From Seattle Times

This includes such luxury bolt-holes as the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico or the Hotel Savoia & Jolanda in Venice.

From Seattle Times

At another foundation a bit north, the greenbelt soils were weak, so Liberty ordered a custom spool-shaped steel adapter, so extra-strength bolts could be fastened through wider bolt-holes.

From Seattle Times

He saw it as a refuge, a bolt-hole in which he could pursue country pleasures and contemplate the beauty of nature; she found it boring and preferred the city.

From New York Times

The capsule is believed to have fallen out of the sensor, through the bolt-hole, onto the surface of the truck and bounced onto the road.

From New York Times