ripas, sarrafos, travessas
1. Plural of batten: thin strips of wood used to fasten or reinforce something
The carpenter used battens to secure the roof panels.
O carpinteiro usou ripas para fixar os painéis do telhado.
2. Plural of batten: wooden or metal strips used in theater to suspend scenery or lights
The stage crew attached lights to the battens above the stage.
A equipe de palco fixou as luzes nas ripas acima do palco.
3. Third person singular present tense: to fasten, secure, or cover with battens
He battens down the hatches before the storm arrives.
Ele fixa os painéis antes da tempestade chegar.
4. Third person singular present tense: to become fat or prosperous, often at another's expense
The corrupt official battens on public funds.
O funcionário corrupto se beneficia dos fundos públicos.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ripa' is the everyday term for wooden batten strips used in construction and furniture making. The term 'batten' itself is less commonly used in Portuguese but understood in technical contexts. In the USA, 'battens' is standard terminology in construction, theater production, and maritime contexts. The phrase 'batten down the hatches' has entered colloquial English meaning to prepare for difficulties.
Related Idioms & Phrases
batten down the hatches - to prepare for or brace oneself for something difficult
batten on someone - to exploit or take advantage of someone
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