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

Stay safe this weekend and batten down the hatches.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

Banks have looked to batten down the hatches in response.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Warning signs such as these can cause investors to think it’s time to sell bonds and batten down the hatches.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

You’re doing the Castros a disservice, particularly Mrs. Castro, who is worrying after her daughter 24-7, in prescribing this under siege, batten down the hatches mentality.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin