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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2025

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 • Apr. 26, 2024

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

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 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

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