bunker up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To get ready and stay safe somewhere when something bad is coming.
Literal meaning: To prepare a bunker (a defensive fortified shelter) for occupation.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To take a defensive position or shelter in preparation for something difficult or threatening.
"With the election results uncertain, the campaign team bunkered up and refused to speak to the press."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Rare and informal. Used similarly to 'hunker down' or 'dig in.' May also be used figuratively in workplace or personal contexts to mean adopting a defensive or resistant position.
Commonly used with
storm attack winter crisis threat
Forms
Base
bunker up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bunkers up
he/she/it
Past simple
bunkered up
yesterday
Past participle
bunkered up
have + pp
-ing form
bunkering up
continuous
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