bunker: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bunker’ mean?
The idiom "bunker" is used to describe someone who refuses to change their opinion or who is unwilling to listen to new ideas or information. It suggests a stubbornness or resistance to being persuaded or convinced of something different.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick in the mud" refers to a person who is resistant to change or new ideas. They prefer to stick to traditional or outdated ways of doing things, often hindering progress or innovation.
The idiom "junkyard dog" refers to someone who is fiercely protective and aggressive in defending their territory or interests. It conveys the idea of toughness and tenacity, often used to describe individuals who are always ready to fight back or stand up for themselves.
The idiom "in the tank" means being strongly biased or supportive of someone or something, often to the point of being blindly loyal or uncritical.
The idiom "hunker down" means to get into a stable, secure, or defensive position, both physically and mentally, usually in order to wait out a difficult or dangerous situation.
The idiom "hold the line" means to remain in a current position or keep a situation stable, often in the face of difficulty or opposition.
The idiom *hold firm* means to remain determined and steadfast in one's position or belief, especially in the face of opposition or difficulties.
The idiom "hold fast" means to firmly grasp or cling to something or someone, both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing determination, strength, and loyalty.
The idiom "hill to die on" refers to a strongly held belief or principle that a person is unwilling to compromise on, even if it means facing serious consequences or opposition.
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
Historical Hideaways
The idiom "bunker" has its origins in golf. In golf, a bunker refers to a hazard on the course, like a sand trap or a grassy hollow. When a golfer's ball lands in a bunker, it can be quite difficult to get the ball out and continue playing. This idea of a challenging situation, one that is difficult to escape from, has been applied metaphorically in various contexts.
The idiom "bunker" is used to describe a difficult or challenging situation that is hard to overcome. It conveys the idea of being trapped or stuck, just like a golfer whose ball is trapped in a bunker. The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in American English, and has now become a widely recognized metaphor.
The idiom "bunker" can describe a range of situations, both literal and figurative. For example, it can describe a person who is deeply entrenched in their beliefs or opinions, refusing to consider other perspectives. It can also describe a challenging financial or economic situation from which it is difficult to recover. In all these instances, "bunker" captures the essence of being trapped or stuck.
One interesting aspect of the idiom "bunker" is its versatility. It can be used in different forms, such as "in a bunker," "getting out of a bunker," or "being stuck in a bunker." This flexibility allows speakers and writers to adapt the idiom to different contexts while still conveying the underlying meaning of a difficult situation.
The idiom "bunker" is primarily used in informal contexts and everyday speech, but it can also be found in more formal or professional settings. For instance, it might be used in business discussions to describe a challenging market situation that requires careful strategizing to overcome. Its widespread usage and recognition make it a valuable linguistic tool for expressing and understanding difficult situations.
Now let's explore how the idiom "bunker" is related to other idioms:
The first idiom is "stick in the mud," which means to be a person who is resistant to change or new ideas, often sticking to traditional or outdated ways of doing things. This idiom can be related to "bunker" as both convey the idea of being trapped or stuck. While "bunker" refers to difficult situations, "stick in the mud" describes a person who is unwilling to adapt or move forward.
The second idiom is "hunker down," which means to squat or crouch down, often in a defensive or protective stance. It can also mean to settle in and prepare for a difficult or challenging time ahead. This idiom is related to "bunker" as both convey the idea of being in a challenging situation and taking measures to protect oneself or endure the hardship.
The third idiom is "hold firm," which means to remain steadfast, to not waver or give in under pressure. This idiom is related to "bunker" as both convey the idea of facing difficult situations and not being easily defeated. While "bunker" focuses more on the feeling of being trapped, "hold firm" emphasizes the resilience and determination to overcome the challenges.
The idiom "bunker" originated in golf and has since evolved to represent any challenging or difficult situation that is hard to escape or overcome. Its metaphorical use captures the sense of being trapped or stuck, just like a golfer's ball in a bunker. The versatility of the idiom allows for its application in various contexts, both informal and formal. With its widespread recognition, "bunker" continues to be a useful expression in everyday speech and professional communication.
Example usage
1. Despite the heavy criticism, the politician decided to bunker down and continue with his campaign.
2. The storm was approaching, so we decided to bunker in our basement until it passed.
3. The stock market crash caused many investors to bunker their money in safe assets.
More "shelter" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
