HIDDEN (4 letters) Hunkering down is a phrase that describes the act of crouching or hiding in a low position. It is often used to describe someone who is trying to avoid being seen or to protect themselves from danger. The term 'hunker down' is derived from the verb 'hunker, ' which means to crouch or squat. The crossword solutions for the term hunker down are 'CROUCHED' and 'HIDDEN, ' both of which accurately describe the action of hunkering down.