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

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

From Barron's

So regardless of what Nvidia says Wednesday, investors don’t have to batten down the hatches just yet.

From Barron's

When they are struggling, they batten down the hatches and go all 'Dogs of War'.

From BBC

Batten down the hatches and don't make a sound - this week sees director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland unleash 28 Years Later.

From BBC

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