# fold one's tent

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fold-ones-tent
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To withdraw, especially in a discreet manner; to disengage; to quit.

## Examples

- The project failed, so we decided to fold our tents.
- After the business lost money for three years, the owners finally decided to fold their tents and move on.
- Realizing that the political climate had shifted against their cause, the activists chose to fold their tents rather than continue a futile struggle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.