1 B2 neutral
To secure someone inside a place by sliding or fastening a bolt.
"They bolted him in the cell and posted a guard outside."
separable
bolt in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To secure a person or thing inside a space by fastening a bolt; or to insert a component that bolts into place.
In plain English
To lock someone or something inside a place using a bolt, or to fit a part into something by bolting it.
What does "bolt in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To fix a component or part into a structure or machine by means of bolts.
"The engine mount simply bolts in — no welding required."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten a bolt so that someone or something is inside.
Actually means
To lock someone or something inside a place using a bolt, or to fit a part into something by bolting it.
Usage tip
Less common than 'bolt down'. Can describe securing a person inside a room (usually in a dramatic or narrative context) or fitting a mechanical component. Often used in technical or engineering contexts for the latter sense.
Words that pair with "bolt in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
component part prisoner door panel bracket
How to conjugate "bolt in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bolt in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bolts in
he/she/it
Past simple
bolted in
yesterday
Past participle
bolted in
have + pp
-ing form
bolting in
continuous
Hear "bolt in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "bolt in"
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Keep exploring
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