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down the hatch

 - 2 dictionary results
hatch 1   (hāch)   
n.  

    1. An opening, as in the deck of a ship, in the roof or floor of a building, or in an aircraft.

    2. The cover for such an opening.

    3. A hatchway.

    4. Nautical A ship's compartment.

  2. The hinged rear door of a hatchback.

  3. A floodgate.


[Middle English, small door, from Old English hæc, hæcc.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

down the hatch

Drink up, as in "Down the hatch," said Bill, as they raised their glasses. This phrase, often used as a toast, employs hatch in the sense of "a trap door found on ships." [Slang; c. 1930]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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