BATTENED DOWN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "battened down" is an idiomatic expression that refers to securing or preparing something firmly or tightly in order to withstand potentially adverse or dangerous circumstances. It originated from nautical terminology, where battens are thin strips used to secure or reinforce different elements on a ship or boat.
In a broader sense, "battened down" is commonly used to describe the act of preparing for an upcoming event or situation that could potentially pose a threat. It conveys the notion of taking precautionary measures to ensure safety, stability, or protection. When applied to physical objects, "battening down" implies securing loose or vulnerable components, such as shutting windows, doors, or hatches tightly to prevent them from being damaged or affected by external forces like strong winds, storms, or extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, "battened down" can also be used metaphorically to describe personal or organizational actions. For example, in the context of finances, it might refer to reducing expenses or saving money to cope with an uncertain future. In terms of emotional well-being, "battening down" could involve employing coping strategies or seeking support to navigate challenging times.
Overall, "battened down" is a versatile expression that encompasses the act of fortifying, securing, or preparing something or oneself to endure potential risks, whether they are physical, emotional, or otherwise.
Common Misspellings for BATTENED DOWN
- vattened down
- nattened down
- hattened down
- gattened down
- bzttened down
- bsttened down
- bwttened down
- bqttened down
- bartened down
- baftened down
- bagtened down
- baytened down
- ba6tened down
- ba5tened down
- batrened down
- batfened down
- batgened down
- batyened down
- bat6ened down
- bat5ened down
Etymology of BATTENED DOWN
The phrase "battened down" primarily stems from the nautical term "batten down the hatches", which dates back to the 18th century. A hatch is an opening in the deck of a ship, and during storms or rough seas, the hatches were secured by using wooden battens or strips to cover and reinforce them. This was done to prevent water from entering the ship and causing damage. Over time, the expression "batten down the hatches" was adopted metaphorically to mean taking precautions or securing something against potential trouble. Consequently, "battened down" emerged as a shortened form of the original phrase, expressing the act of securing or preparing something for an anticipated event or hazard.
