put down roots

Idioms and Phrases

Settle somewhere, become established, as in We've put down roots here and don't want to move away . This metaphoric expression, first recorded in 1921, likens the rooting of a plant to human settlement.

Example Sentences

He got a job as a cook in a local hotel, which was reportedly haunted, and began tentatively to put down roots.

From The Daily Beast

It allows families to put down roots, communities to grow, and poor children to attend the same public schools as rich kids.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• continue
• delay
• hang
• last
• linger
• remain
• reside
• settle
• stand
• stick around
• stop