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