What is "pull up stakes"

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

v. remove oneself from an association with or participation in; "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" [syn: leave, depart]