“Hunker Down” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

If you have ever heard someone use the term ‘hunker down’ during a conversation, you may well have asked yourself what this phrase means. We are going to look at the meaning behind this term and how it can be used in our daily conversations. We will also look at where the term came from in the first instance.

“Hunker Down” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “hunker down” means to settle in or prepare for a difficult or challenging situation, often by staying in one place and focusing on what needs to be done. It can imply taking refuge, gathering resources, or enduring a tough time.
Hunker Down
Hunker Down – Created by 7ESL

“Hunker Down” Meaning

The phrase “hunker down” means to settle in or take refuge in a secure position, often for a period of time. It can refer to physically crouching or sitting down low, but it is more commonly used in a figurative sense to describe preparing for a challenging situation or waiting out difficult circumstances.

Examples:

  • “During the storm, we decided to hunker down at home with plenty of supplies.”
  • “With the deadline approaching, she needed to hunker down and finish her work.”

Origin of This Idiom

The term ‘hunker down’ originally meant to literally get down into a squatting position, the term has roots in various languages such as German, Dutch and old Scottish. Over time the term has evolved to be used for the meaning we give it today.

Usage of “Hunker Down”

  • In the context of preparing for a storm:

“As the hurricane approached, we decided to hunker down in the basement with plenty of supplies.”

  • Talking about focusing on work:

“With the deadline looming, she needed to hunker down and finish the project without any distractions.”

  • During a discussion about dealing with challenges:

“In times of economic uncertainty, businesses may need to hunker down and reassess their strategies.”

  • In a conversation about personal struggles:

“After losing her job, she decided to hunker down and focus on her job search.”

Related Terms to “Hunker Down”

  • Batten down the hatches – to prepare for trouble or a difficult situation, often used in the context of weather.
  • Take shelter – to seek protection from danger or adverse conditions.
  • Weather the storm – to endure a difficult situation or period.
  • Hold up – to remain in a secure location, often to avoid danger or discomfort.
  • Cocoon – to isolate oneself for safety or comfort, similar to hunkering down.
  • Stay put – to remain in one place, especially during uncertain times.
  • Focus in – to concentrate on a task or project, often to the exclusion of distractions.
  • Dig in – to prepare for a prolonged situation, often used in both military and metaphorical contexts.
  • Retreat – to withdraw to a safer or more secure place.
  • Knuckle down – to start working hard on something, particularly when facing challenges.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘hunker down.’

Here are some examples of other wordings which carry the same meaning.

  • Snuggle in
  • Bunker down
  • Hide behind
  • Take refuge
  • Take cover

“Hunker Down” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by a weather reporter.

  • ‘The winds are not set to get any lighter. The advise is to hunker down and wait out the storm.’

Here is a statement made by a man to his wife.

  • ‘I think that it is best that we just hunker down for the night and then reassess the conditions tomorrow.’

Other examples:

  • They are not allowed to hunker down to rest after running 5,000 meters.
  • I have to hunker down to finish my algebra this evening.
  • Their strategy for the moment is to hunker down and let the fuss die down.

Conversation Examples

You may be curious as to how the term ‘hunker down’ can be applied to a conversation. Here are some examples to show how the phrase would work.

This first conversation is happening between two neighbours before a hurricane.

  • Person 1: “I think we are going to drive up to my wife’s parents house, they are out of the hurricane zone.”
  • Person 2: “I don’t think we will be leaving, we will just hunker down and hope for the best.”

This next conversation is between a boyfriend and his girlfriend.

  • Person 1: “It is meant to snow very heavily this next few weeks.”
  • Person 2: “What do you want to do about it? Do you want to go on holiday in the sun and get away from the cold?”
  • Person 1: “No, I think we should just hunker down here and stay in front of the fire.”
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