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 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

In order to get there, they want the 25-year-old to be as adjusted as possible to his new surroundings by the time they break camp.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2024

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