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Meaning & use

bolts on

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌbəʊlts ˈɒn/
US/ˌboʊlts ˈɑːn/

Meanings

  1. phrasephrasal verb

    Fastens something to a surface or object using bolts, or attaches as if with bolts.

    Grammar: Takes an object: bolt on a rack. The object can go between bolt and on, or after on.

    Patterns

    • bolt something on
    • bolt something on to something
    • bolt something on something

    He bolted the new shelf on to the wall in the garage.

    The mechanic bolted on a stronger bumper before the race.

    You can bolt the sidecar on in about ten minutes.

  2. phrasephrasal verbdisapproving

    Adds something extra to an existing plan, system, or structure, often in a way that feels separate or less important.

    Grammar: Often used in the passive: the feature was bolted on. Common in business and computing talk.

    Patterns

    • bolt something on to something
    • bolt something on

    The new safety rules felt bolted on to the original design.

    They bolted on extra lessons at the end of the course.

    Critics say the tax was bolted on to win votes, not to fix the problem.

Common combinations

bolt on a part
We bolted on a new part to replace the broken one.
bolt on to the frame
The seat bolts on to the frame with four screws.
bolted-on feature
Reviewers called it a bolted-on feature that added little value.
bolt on extra costs
The airline bolted on extra costs for checked bags.
bolt something on afterwards
They built the house first and bolted the garage on afterwards.

Synonyms and how they differ

attach
More general and neutral; use it when no bolts or tools are involved.
affix
More formal and often about stickers, labels, or stamps rather than machinery.
add on
Close for the extra-feature sense, but it does not suggest physical bolts or a clumsy fit.

Opposites

detachremove

Word family

bolt noun
A metal pin with a screw thread, used to hold things together.
bolt verb
To fasten with a bolt, or to run away suddenly.
bolted adjective
Fastened with bolts, as in a bolted joint.

Commonly confused: bolts on or built on?

bolts on vs built on

Built on means developed from an existing base, as in trust built on honesty; bolted on means physically attached or added awkwardly.

Practice

The engineers decided to ___ a spare fuel tank ___ the roof rack.

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