batten down the hatches

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

When a gust yanks the handle out of her grasp, she decides to batten down the hatches, latching it behind her and inspecting her surroundings via phone flashlight.

From Literature

If the world’s most valuable company disappoints the market, investors really will need to batten down the hatches.

From Barron's

“Batten down the hatches! Battle of Britain! RAF on offensive!”

From Literature

Stay safe this weekend and batten down the hatches.

From MarketWatch

As Scotland prepares to welcome in 2026, some residents will be getting ready to batten down the hatches, with a yellow snow and ice warning in force for much of the country.

From BBC