camp out

Idioms  

1. Sleep outdoors; also, stay somewhere for an unusually long time. For example, “We camped out in a field this night” (George Washington, Journal, March 18, 1748). In the early 1900s, the expression was extended to figurative uses, meaning simply “to stay somewhere for an unusually long time,” as in She camped out at the stage door, hoping for an autograph.

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Example Sentences

Grieving parents who’d camped out in court hallways for more than a week to hear the California decision cheered and embraced as they watched the New Mexico verdict over live-stream.

From Los Angeles Times

This was the night me and Lloyd always went to the crick and camped out.

From Literature

The throng of reporters camped out around Tucson is beginning to thin.

From Los Angeles Times

“California doesn’t have any other places quite like that. It’s incredibly comfortable — way better than camping out in the snow.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was anything but relaxed along Fourth Avenue as fans packed the streets shoulder to shoulder and 20 or more deep for a glimpse at their heroes, some people camping out overnight for the opportunity.

From Barron's