Hunker Down
During recent storms, many of us had to hunker down in more than one way. We protected ourselves from the storms’ initial danger. Afterwards, we worked hard to recover from any damage.
The Free Dictionary gives four meanings for hunker down.
- “Literally to squat.” We bend our knees to lower ourselves.
- “To seek refuge.” We find shelter when dangers arise.
- “To work or begin to work … in a determined manner.” We clean up after a disaster or we study hard.
- “To stubbornly maintain some belief.” We refuse to compromise, change our mind, or admit when we make a mistake.
Although I have heard this expression used all four ways, I usually think of the second one. Similar to a ship’s crew that battens down the hatches, we prepare for a storm.
Storms occur in all areas of life.
- Physical—Bad weather, health problems, or accidents
- Mental—Illness, educational challenges, or overload
- Emotional—Relationship issues, stress, or uncertainty
- Spiritual—Persecution, false information, or poor choices
Whatever storm we face, we never have to hunker down alone.
If we turn to God, God remains with us. One of my favorite old gospel songs promises, “No, Never Alone.”
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).
Which meaning of hunker down have you heard or used?
Thanks to Judy Glen Corbin for the suggestion. Image by Didier from Pixabay.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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12 thoughts on “Hunker Down”
Thanks, Diane, for all the good challenges and for all the shares.
Martin, my thanks back to you! Blessings on all your writing, editing, ministry, and other outreach efforts in our hurting world.
I often say I’m hunkering down when I edit for clients. I shut out the world and concentrate on the task before me.
Tracy, that sounds like a good plan anytime we want to do our work and do it well. Blessings.
UGA football often uses “hunker down” in the way described in #3, especially years back when they weren’t the huge champion team they are today. I enjoyed this one today, Diana. Blessings!
Martha, I had never paid attention to the number of ways we use this expression until I started writing on it. Hunkering down can make a big difference in the degree of our success. Thank you for the great example.
We “hunker down” when there’s a hurricane or bad storm headed our way. Being prepared and ready to “hunker down” is important. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
People in your area are probably quite familiar with hunkering down, aren’t they, Melissa? I’m thankful for God’s presence through storms in every form.
Most often, I’ve thought of “hunker down” as taking shelter, but it also means (for me) to take a stand about something and hold firm. Of course, that might be considered being overly stubborn or the positive trait of “keeping the faith.”
Purpose and perspective make big differences, don’t they, Katherine. I’ve been overly stubborn about trivial issues more than I like to admit. I pray I always “keep the faith.”
We hunker down when a storm is going to occur – blizzard usually. But I am so grateful no matter the type of storm, God never leaves us. He hunkers down with us, as He bends low to us. Beautiful to think on today so thank you, Diana!
God “hunkers down with us, as He bends low to us.” I love this imagery, Joanne. Thank you. Have a wonderful weekend!