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).

---

Example Sentences

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

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

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

From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 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