To Batten Down The Hatches
Hombre prevenido vale por dos / Ponerse el huarache antes de la espinada
Meaning:
We batten down the hatches when we get ready for trouble or prepared for an emergency. A similar expression is “To be on your guard”.
Origin:
This is a nautical expression coming form the 1800’s. When there was a storm, sailors got ready to confront it by nailing pieces of canvas and wood (battens) all over the hatches (entrance ways to the cargo area below deck) of their ships in order to protect both the ships and their precious merchandise and belongings. Nowadays, people do the same when they protect the windows of their houses to get protected from an oncoming hurricane.
Example:
• My family and I have been buying groceries and saving money as well because some financial experts forecasted a crisis for next year. We are not sure if this will happen so but we are battening down the hatches just in case.