break camp

1. Take down a tent and pack up other gear; also, leave a place, move out. For example, The landlord has to return my rent deposit before I'll break camp. Originally camp denoted a military encampment, but by the mid-1500s the term had been transferred to temporary outdoor sites used by hunters and the like. By the 19th century, the current term was in use. Thus, “It is the hunter's rule to see that the fire is extinguished ... before breaking camp.” (F.H. Guillemard, Cruise of Marchesa I, 1886).

Example Sentences

The schedule called for an off day Thursday to accommodate players’ final exam schedules, one of four breaks interspersed among the 14 practices before the team breaks camp on Aug. 16.

From Los Angeles Times

After that, they had to get up and break camp.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts said last month he was optimistic of having a new contract in place before the team breaks camp at the end of next Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Sasaki is expected to break camp with the major league team.

From Los Angeles Times

The stipulation is that players with little or no MLB service time need to break camp with the team or be called up within two weeks of Opening Day.

From Seattle Times