How to Pronounce "batten down the hatches"
expression
ˈbætən/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈhætʃɪz
BAT-un DOWN thuh HATCH-iz
bˈætən/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /hˈætʃɪz
BAT-un DOWN thuh HATCH-iz
Definition
To get ready for possible trouble or difficulty, especially by taking protective or careful actions. Historically, it refers to making a ship safe before a storm.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbætən/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈhætʃɪz
British English
bˈætən/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /hˈætʃɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BAT-un DOWN thuh HATCH-iz
UK
BAT-un DOWN thuh HATCH-iz
Listen in Context
We need to batten down the hatches before the storm arrives.
Our company is going to batten down the hatches during the economic crisis.
It's time to batten down the hatches for winter.
With all these changes happening, we'd better batten down the hatches.