batten
UK ['bæt.ən] US ['bætˌ-] noun countable
■a long piece of wood, often fixed to something to strengthen it （常用于加固的）板条，扣板；挂瓦条
UK ['bæt.ən] US ['bætˌ-] verb transitive
■to fasten something by fixing pieces of wood onto it 在某物上钉板条以作加固•The boxes were securely battened before the journey.出发前箱子都用板条牢牢地钉好了。
UK ['bæt.ən] US ['bætˌ-] verb transitive
batten down the hatches
■to fasten the entrances to the lower part of a ship using wooden boards 钉上扣板密闭舱口，封舱
■to prepare for a difficult situation 准备面对困境•When you're coming down with flu all you can do is batten down the hatches and wait for it to pass.患上流感后，你所能做的就是做好心理准备，等它慢慢过去。
UK ['bæt.ən] US ['bætˌ-] verb transitive
Phrasal Verbs batten on sb literary
■to live well by using someone else's money 靠（别人）的财物养活自己•He's spent these last five years battening on a rich aunt of his.过去这5年间，他一直靠着一个富有的婶婶享福。 |