bolt-hole

bolt-hole is a noun for a place of escape or refuge—a safe spot someone can retreat to when there is danger, pressure, or unwanted attention. Its older, literal sense comes from animal behavior: a hole an animal can use to bolt away when pursued into a burrow or den. But is a bolt-hole just any hiding place? Not quite. The word often suggests privacy, safety, and a prepared or familiar retreat, whether it is a cabin, an apartment, or even a mental refuge. In the full lesson, we look at this nuance, the animal origin, and useful patterns like “have a bolt-hole.” Watch the full lesson to learn how to use it naturally.