bolt hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “bolt hole” mean?
A place where one can escape and hide, especially from danger or trouble.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place where one can escape and hide, especially from danger or trouble.
A safe refuge or retreat; a private, secure place to escape from the pressures of public life or a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common and established in British English. In American English, 'bolt-hole' is less frequent and may be considered a Britishism; alternatives like 'hideaway', 'retreat', or 'safe house' are more typical.
Connotations
In British English, it often connotes a rural cottage or coastal property used by city dwellers. In American English, if used, it may sound slightly literary or old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in UK media/literature; low-to-medium frequency in US contexts, often in international or literary publications.
Grammar
How to Use “bolt hole” in a Sentence
have/own/maintain a bolt holeescape/flee/retreat to [one's] bolt hole[place] serves as a bolt hole for [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's Swiss chalet is his bolt hole from boardroom battles.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or sociological texts discussing privacy, security, or urban flight.
Everyday
Used when discussing holiday homes or places to escape stress: 'We're off to our bolt hole in the Lakes for the weekend.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts. The literal meaning (a hole for a bolt) is a separate, compound noun.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolt hole”
- Spelling as one word ('bolthole' is an accepted variant, but 'bolt hole' is standard).
- Using it to mean any small apartment or holiday home without the connotation of escape from trouble.
- Confusing with the verb phrase 'to bolt a hole' (to fasten it with a bolt).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'bolt hole' (open) and 'bolthole' (closed) are accepted, though dictionaries often list the open form first. Consistency within a text is key.
A 'bolt hole' specifically emphasises escape and refuge from trouble or pressure. A 'holiday home' is for leisure; a bolt hole is for sanctuary. All bolt holes can be holiday homes, but not all holiday homes are bolt holes.
No, 'bolt hole' is exclusively a noun. The related action is expressed with verbs like 'bolt' (to run away) or 'retreat to one's bolt hole'.
It is understood but is distinctly more British. Americans are more likely to say 'hideaway', 'retreat', or 'getaway' in everyday conversation.
A place where one can escape and hide, especially from danger or trouble.
Bolt hole is usually formal, literary, journalistic in register.
Bolt hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊlt ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊlt ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a bolt for the hole (rare, contextual)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a rabbit BOLTING (running quickly) into its HOLE to escape a fox. A 'bolt hole' is where you 'bolt' to for safety.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PURSUIT / DANGER IS A PREDATOR. The self is a hunted animal seeking the safety of a burrow.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes the use of a 'bolt hole'?