pull up stumps
English
editPronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Etymology 1
editFrom the game of cricket, where a day's play is terminated by the umpire pulling up the stumps.
Verb
editpull up stumps (third-person singular simple present pulls up stumps, present participle pulling up stumps, simple past and past participle pulled up stumps)
- (figuratively) To cease doing something, at least for the day.
Related terms
editEtymology 2
editTo cut off one's roots; or to pull up your house, (figurative) stumps & all.
Verb
editpull up stumps (third-person singular simple present pulls up stumps, present participle pulling up stumps, simple past and past participle pulled up stumps)
- (US, figuratively) To relocate, emigrate, move one's home to some other place.
- Synonyms: pull up stakes, up sticks