A bolt-hole is a place where you can escape to avoid people you don’t want to run into. This term for “a type of refuge” is used mainly in Britain, and refers to a place an animal might flee to if disturbed. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Bolt Holes”
Do you know the word bolt hole?
Yes, from Sherlock Holmes.
I figured you probably would because of all your British…
Well, no, Sherlock Holmes is what I read when I’m sick.
It’s my go-to. It makes me feel better.
Oh, I thought you watched Columbo on TV.
Well, I have watched Columbo on TV, but Sherlock Holmes has bolt holes all around London.
And there’s like little rooms and places that he’s set aside so that when he’s on the trail of somebody, he can change a costume or eat a snack or sleep a little bit without leading them back to his home.
Right.
Right.
That’s exactly it.
And that’s how people use it, mainly in Britain, to describe some place where they can just get away from everybody.
I need a bolt hole.
And apparently it has to do with holes in the ground that little animals will bolt out of if you flush them out.
Oh, interesting.
Isn’t that cool?
That makes a lot of sense.
Bolt hole.
Bolt hole.
Everybody needs a bolt hole.
Talk to us on Twitter @wayword.