bolted shut

USAGE SUMMARY

"bolted shut" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that has been fixed in place with a bolt or a latch. For example, "The cellar door was bolted shut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

By law, it's bolted shut, from the outside.

The New Yorker

The only emergency door had been bolted shut.

The New York Times

He reached the barnyard and found the barn door bolted shut from the outside.

The New Yorker

Stewart then squeezed into a secret compartment, which was bolted shut.

The New Yorker

That new door to the unexpected porch will be bolted shut.

The New Yorker

One of two doors was bolted shut, survivors said, because someone lost the key.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Sleep well," she told me before bolting shut the door that separated me and her family from the rest of the world.

Vice

So, to the sound of stable doors being bolted firmly shut, politicians in South-East Asia and Australia are proposing one for the Indian Ocean.Related items The tsunami: Asia's devastationDec 29th 2004 Asia's tsunami: The cruel seaDec 29th 2004Detecting tsunamis directly, rather than relying on earthquake monitors, is important for another reason, too.

The Economist

He pushed me in and slammed the door, bolting it shut.

The New Yorker

"No rooms, you fucked up!" he shouts cheerily before scuttling behind a thick wooden door and bolting it shut.

Vice

Competitor and crew members bolted the doors shut, threw themselves across the windshield and sat on the roof, all the better to keep sound from escaping, and upon a signal from Mr. Horn, the engine roared to life.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the implications of using "bolted shut". It often suggests a measure of security or prevention, sometimes implying urgency or a need to keep something or someone out.

Common error

Avoid using "bolted shut" to describe temporary or easily reversible closures. The phrase suggests a more permanent or forceful action than simply closing a door or latching a gate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolted shut" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of being securely closed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bolted shut" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that is securely closed with a bolt. Ludwig's AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily descriptive, the phrase often carries implications of security or prevention. When writing, use "bolted shut" to clearly convey that something is intentionally and firmly closed off, considering the subtle nuances it adds to your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sealed tight

Implies closure preventing any leakage or entry, focusing on impermeability.

tightly sealed

Similar to 'sealed tight' but might suggest a more temporary or less robust closure.

firmly fastened

Emphasizes the strength and security of the closure mechanism.

fastened securely

Highlights the reliability and stability of the fastening.

securely locked

Focuses on the use of a lock to ensure inaccessibility.

locked up tight

Combines the idea of locking with an emphasis on the thoroughness of the closure.

closed securely

A more general term emphasizing the security aspect of the closure.

barricaded

Suggests an obstruction or barrier has been placed to prevent entry.

padlocked

Specifies the use of a padlock for securing something.

made inaccessible

Focuses primarily on the result: that entry is impossible, regardless of the means.

FAQs

How can I use "bolted shut" in a sentence?

You can use "bolted shut" to describe a door, window, or other opening that has been securely fastened with a bolt to prevent entry or exit. For example: "The emergency exit was "bolted shut", raising safety concerns."

What are some alternatives to saying "bolted shut"?

Alternatives include "sealed tight", "firmly fastened", or "securely locked", depending on the specific context and the type of closure mechanism.

Is it correct to say "bolted closed" instead of "bolted shut"?

While "bolted closed" is understandable, ""bolted shut"" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Bolted shut" emphasizes the completeness and security of the closure.

Can "bolted shut" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""bolted shut"" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is completely inaccessible or closed off, such as opportunities or communication channels. For example: "After the scandal, many doors were "bolted shut" to him."