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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

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

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

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

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