Question 1

What does "batten down the hatches" mean?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation that is coming.

Question 2

How do you use "batten down the hatches" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

With the recession looming, companies began to batten down the hatches.

Question 3

Is "batten down the hatches" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"batten down the hatches" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. A nautical term for securing a ship before a storm; now used broadly for any imminent hardship.