Phrase guide

pull up stakes

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To prepare to move one's (usually temporary) habitation, especially rapidly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • They just pulled up stakes and left.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

remove oneself from an association with or participation in

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She wants to leave
  • The teenager left home
  • She left her position with the Red Cross
  • He left the Senate after two terms
  • after 20 years with the same company, she pulled up stakes

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: leave, depart

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: change

Narrower terms: leave office, quit, step down, resign, drop out

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: die Zelte abbrechen — prepare to move one's habitation
  • Italian: levare le tende — prepare to move one's habitation