pull up stakes

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull up stakes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to leave or move on, often with the implication of leaving a current location or situation behind. Example: After four years of living in the city, I decided it was time to pull up stakes and move back to my hometown.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing was more exhausting than moving house, and before dropping off she made the commonplace vow (as commonly broken) that she'd never pull up stakes again.

The Guardian - Books

She could pull up stakes again.

The New York Times

Still, he decided to pull up stakes.

The New York Times - Arts

HSBC has even threatened to pull up stakes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Insurers operate in multiple states and pull up stakes in response to different state laws.

The New York Times

"The smart move is to pull up stakes and head for the nearest cliché.

The New York Times - Books

Now, Mr. Biderman and Mr. Lalonde are wondering whether to pull up stakes.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's easier to pull up stakes when you aren't earning much.

The New York Times

For its part, Kodak is not about to pull up stakes anytime soon.

The New York Times

Lebanese don't simply pull up stakes and fight for Iran". Samir shrugged.

The Guardian - Books

Having sunk $1.6 billion into the plant, Audi is not likely to pull up stakes soon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull up stakes" when you want to convey a sense of finality and a significant change in location or situation. It's particularly effective when describing a deliberate decision to leave a place where one has been for some time.

Common error

Avoid using "pull up stakes" in literal contexts where actual stakes are being removed. This phrase is an idiom and should be used to describe moving or leaving a situation metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pull up stakes" is as a verb phrase, specifically functioning as an idiomatic verb. It signifies the action of leaving or relocating. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "pull up stakes" is a common and widely accepted verb phrase that signifies leaving a place or situation, often with the implication of a significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for various communication settings. While more formal alternatives exist, "pull up stakes" effectively conveys the idea of a deliberate departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move on

Indicates leaving a situation or relationship behind to start something new.

move away

A simple and direct way to express leaving a place.

resettle

Suggests moving to a new place to establish a new home or life.

relocate

A more formal and general term for moving to a new place.

depart

A formal term for leaving a place, often used in official contexts.

leave

A broad term indicating departure, applicable to both physical locations and situations.

abandon ship

Implies leaving a failing or problematic situation, often with a sense of urgency.

withdraw

Suggests a more deliberate and considered departure, often from a commitment.

quit

Focuses on ending an involvement or activity rather than a physical location.

emigrate

Specifically refers to leaving one's country to settle in another.

FAQs

What does "pull up stakes" mean?

The idiom "pull up stakes" means to leave a place or situation, often implying a significant change or relocation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pull up stakes"?

It's appropriate when describing someone's decision to move from a location where they've resided or when someone decides to leave a long-term situation.

What can I say instead of "pull up stakes"?

You can use alternatives like "relocate", "move on", or "leave" depending on the specific context.

Is "pull up stakes" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "pull up stakes" is considered relatively informal, though it's acceptable in many contexts. More formal alternatives include "relocate" or "depart".