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It means, metaphorically, to prepare for a rough time ahead. It derives from shipboard jargon: decks of sailing ships had many hatches (essentially a horizontally doorway through a deck, rather than a vertical doorway through a wall) that led to the spaces below. A "batten" is the piece of wood that is placed into a slot and secures the hatch in place so that it doesn't open inadvertently in the storm. Hence, "batten down the hatches" literally means to secure the hatches for the upcoming storm.
close tightly the hatches (doorways) on a ship--bad weather is coming.
God I hate that saying! I live in Florida and its a pre-requisite for anyone that is close to a hurricane. Basically, get your crap and find a safe place to be...
I believe it came from ships going for an ocean voyage the captain would say "batten down the hatches". Meaning everything should be tied down to keep anything from falling over board during rough seas.
It means get your stuff together because something bad is about to happen.
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