bolt-hole

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bolt-hole

A rabbit darts into its bolt-hole to escape a fox.

Definition

Noun: 1. A place of escape or refuge: A bolt-hole is a secure, often hidden, place where someone can go to escape from danger, trouble, or unwanted attention. This meaning is a metaphorical extension from the original, literal animal behavior. 2. A hole through which an animal may bolt when pursued into its burrow or den: The original, literal meaning referring to an animal's emergency exit from its dwelling.

Usage and Examples

  • Noun (Place of refuge):

    • After the stressful week, his quiet cabin in the woods became a welcome bolt-hole.
    • The celebrity kept a small apartment in the city as a bolt-hole from the paparazzi.
    • Everyone should have a mental bolt-hole—a place they can imagine to find peace.

  • Noun (Animal's escape hole):

    • The rabbit disappeared down a bolt-hole as the fox approached.
    • Researchers blocked the main entrance to study the animal's use of its bolt-hole.
Advanced Usage
  • The term often carries connotations of secrecy, safety, and a deliberate retreat from the outside world. It implies a prepared or known place of safety, not a random hiding spot.
  • It is frequently used in contexts involving stress, work, fame, or conflict, where a person needs a temporary sanctuary.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bolt (verb): To run away suddenly, often out of fear. This verb is the origin of the compound noun "bolt-hole," describing the hole an animal "bolts" into.
  • Hideaway (noun): A place used for hiding or as a retreat. A close synonym.
  • Sanctuary (noun): A place of refuge or safety. A more formal synonym.
  • Refuge (noun): A condition of being safe or sheltered. A general synonym.
Synonyms
  • Refuge
  • Hideaway
  • Sanctuary
  • Haven
  • Retreat
  • Safe house
Antonyms
  • Exposure
  • Danger zone
  • Public eye
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • To have a bolt-hole: To possess a prepared place of escape.
    • It's wise to always have a bolt-hole, just in case plans go wrong.
  • To beat a retreat to one's bolt-hole: To quickly escape to one's place of refuge.
    • Overwhelmed by the crowd, she beat a retreat to her bolt-hole.
bolt-hole

A rabbit darts into its bolt-hole to escape a fox.

Noun
  1. a hole through which an animal may bolt when pursued into its burrow or den