break camp

Idioms  

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).

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

break camp

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2025

He is expected to make one more Grapefruit League start, then remain in Florida to pitch in a minor league game after the Braves break camp next week.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 20, 2023

Catcher Chad Wallach, whom the Angels brought back on a minor league deal, will also be looking to break camp with the big league team.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2023

The expectation, though, is that Ward will break camp and get an extended chance.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 7, 2022

My job was to hunt, and scout, and build camp, and break camp, to protect the others.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline