To "hunker down" means to lower oneself to the ground, to hide or take shelter, to stay in a place for a long time, or to hold firmly to one's position or opinion.

In short:

• It refers to the act of crouching close to the ground, seeking refuge or concealment, remaining in a location for an extended period, or steadfastly maintaining one's stance or viewpoint.

What Does "Hunker Down" Mean?

The idiom "hunker down" has several meanings depending on its use.

• To lower oneself to the ground by bending the legs. This is the literal meaning of the phrase. It can describe a physical posture or movement, such as when someone is trying to avoid being seen or hit by something. For example, "The kids hunkered down in the grass and watched the birds."
• To hide or take shelter from danger or trouble. It can describe a situation where someone seeks protection or refuge from something threatening their safety or well-being, such as a storm, an enemy, or a disease. For example, "The city hunkered down under lockdown as the virus spread."
• To stay in a place for an extended time. It can describe a situation where someone remains in a location for an extended duration, usually for a specific purpose or goal, such as work, study, or negotiation. For example, "The students hunkered down in the library to finish their assignments."
• To hold firmly or stubbornly to one's position or opinion. It can describe a situation where someone refuses to change their mind or attitude when faced with criticism, opposition, or unfavorable circumstances. For example, "The candidate hunkered down and denied any wrongdoing."

Where Does "Hunker Down" Come From?

The word "hunker" is of Scottish origin and dates from the 18th century. It means to squat or crouch on one's heels. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century and was often used in military contexts. It meant "to dig in," which means to fortify one's position or prepare for an attack.

10 Examples of "Hunker Down" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

• To avoid the cold, we should hunker down by the fireplace.
• I will hunker down with a good book and tea on this rainy day.
• When the storm hit, we had to hunker down in our basement for safety.
• Yes, please. Let's hunker down and finish this project before the deadline.
• No mean feat. We'll hunker down in the cabin until the snowstorm passes.
• Many people had to hunker down at home during the pandemic to stay safe.
• We were advised to hunker down and avoid crowded places when the flu spread.
• After a long day of hiking, it's nice to hunker down in a comfortable sleeping bag.
• The students decided to hunker down in the library to study for their final exams.
• The soldiers had to hunker down in their trenches during the enemy's bombardment.

Examples of "Hunker Down" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how the expression has appeared in pop culture:

• In the movie "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," the character Katniss Everdeen uses the phrase to instruct her allies to take cover from an airstrike. She says: "Hunker down, you guys. It'll be a while before they can target us again."
• In the book "The Stand" by Stephen King, the character Larry Underwood uses the phrase to suggest his group find a safe place to rest during a plague outbreak. He says: "We ought to find someplace to hunker down. Someplace where we won't catch Captain Trips."
• In the TV show "Breaking Bad," the character Walter White uses the phrase to advise his partner Jesse Pinkman to lay low after a drug deal gone wrong. He says: "We've got to hunker down, Jesse. We've got to be smarter than they are.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Hunker Down"

Here are some synonyms for all meanings of this idiom:

• To bunker down
• To hole up
• To bed down
• To knuckle down
• To stand one's ground

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Hunker Down"

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about this idiom:

• What does "hunker down" mean?

To "hunker down" means to lower oneself to the ground, to hide or take shelter, to stay in a place for a long time, or to hold firmly to one's position or opinion.

• What is the origin of the phrase "hunker down"?

The word "hunker" is of Scottish origin and dates from the 18th century. It means to squat or crouch on one's heels. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century and was often used in military contexts. It meant "to dig in," which means to fortify one's position or prepare for an attack.

• What is the difference between "hunker down" and "batten down the hatches"?

Both phrases mean to prepare for a difficult or dangerous situation, but they have different origins and connotations. "Hunker down" comes from the Scottish word "hunker," which means to squat or crouch on one's heels. It implies lowering oneself to the ground or taking shelter. "Batten down the hatches" comes from the nautical term "batten," which means to secure or fasten something. It implies making something watertight or stormproof.

• Is "hunker down" a formal or informal expression?
  

"Hunker down" is an informal expression more suitable for casual or conversational contexts. It is inappropriate for formal or academic writing, where more precise or neutral words should be used instead.

• Is "hunker down" an American or British idiom?

"Hunker down" is an American idiom that originated in the early 20th century. It is not commonly used in British English, where other expressions such as "dig in," "hole up," or "bed down" may be preferred.

• How do you use "hunker down" in a sentence?

To use "hunker down" in a sentence, you must follow the basic grammar rules of subject-verb agreement, tense, and voice. You also need to consider the context and meaning of the phrase.

• What are some synonyms for "hunker down"?

Some synonyms for "hunker down" are "to bunker down," "to hole up," "to bed down," "to knuckle down," and "to stand one's ground."

• What are some antonyms for "hunker down"?

Some antonyms for "hunker down" are "to stand up," "to come out," "to leave," "to give up," and "to change one's mind."

• Can "hunker down" be used in a positive context, or is it mainly associated with negative situations?

While "hunker down" is often associated with preparing for adverse circumstances, it can also be used in a positive context when describing someone taking a break or resting comfortably.

• Are there any cultural references or famous instances of people having to "hunker down" in history?

Yes, "hunkering down" has been mentioned in various historical and contemporary contexts, such as during wartime, natural disasters, and even in the business world during economic downturns. One famous example is people "hunkering down" in bomb shelters during World War II to protect themselves from air raids.

Final Thoughts About "Hunker Down"

The idiom "hunker down" is a versatile and expressive phrase used in various contexts and situations. It can convey different meanings and emotions depending on how it is used.

Here are some key points to remember about the idiom:

• It means to lower oneself to the ground, to hide or take shelter, to stay in a place for a long time, or to hold firmly to one's position or opinion.
• It can have different connotations depending on the context and tone.
• It has synonyms and antonyms that can be used depending on the situation.
• It has related idioms and alternative expressions that can be used interchangeably.