Up sticks

usgb
phrase

To leave or move from a place.

Bob and Maria decided to up sticks and move to France.
Visual representation of "up sticks" - To leave or move from a place

Often appears as...

  • decide to up sticks
  • up sticks and move

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "up sticks"
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Brit-centric

The phrase is mostly used by British speakers and could confuse others.

Illustration for Brit-centric
They disliked the rainy weather, so they upped sticks to Spain.
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Colloquial Usage

Used in casual conversation, it might be too informal for official documents or formal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
The city life was too chaotic for them, so they upped sticks to the countryside.
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Sudden Change

'Up sticks' implies a quick or sudden decision to leave, often with a sense of starting anew.

Illustration for Sudden Change
After losing her job, Jenna decided to up sticks and start afresh elsewhere.
Visual representation of the word "Up sticks"

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