batten down the hatches
verbEtymology From the practice aboard a ship of sealing hatches to prevent water getting below-decks in a storm by using covers secured by strips of material, called battens, firmly attached to the frame of the hatch opening.
1
Idiomatic To prepare for trouble.
- It's time to batten down the hatches and prepare for the coming challenge.
- Related terms
- kitty bar the door