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

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

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2022

Scherzer targets 90 pitches for his next outing and wants to get to 100 in his final start before the Mets break camp.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2022

“I would say with Reyes you’re looking at that being really tough for him to break camp with the team,” Marmol said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

If Buttrey doesn’t break camp with the Angels, he said he would “absolutely” report to triple A.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2022

So we break camp, walk over to the beach that borders the lightning section, and head into the jungle.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins