1 B1 neutral
To fasten or secure hatches, windows, or openings to protect against a storm or rough conditions. (Literal, nautical or architectural)
"The crew worked quickly to batten down the hatches as the hurricane approached."
separable
batten down
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To secure or fasten something firmly, or to prepare carefully for a difficult situation.
In plain English
To close everything tight and get ready before something bad happens.
What does "batten down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To prepare thoroughly for a difficult period, challenge, or crisis. (Figurative)
"With the recession looming, companies are battening down and cutting costs wherever possible."
“
It's time to batten down the hatches and get ready for a long fight.
— The Guardian, 2008 (financial crisis coverage)
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten wooden strips (battens) over a ship's hatches to prevent water from entering during a storm.
Actually means
To close everything tight and get ready before something bad happens.
Usage tip
Comes from the nautical phrase 'batten down the hatches.' The full idiom 'batten down the hatches' is far more common than 'batten down' alone. Used both literally (ships, buildings before storms) and figuratively (preparing for crisis).
Words that pair with "batten down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
hatches shutters windows defences house economy
How to conjugate "batten down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
batten down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
battens down
he/she/it
Past simple
battened down
yesterday
Past participle
battened down
have + pp
-ing form
battening down
continuous
Hear "batten down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "batten down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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