put down roots

Are you using the idiom put down roots but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the put down roots idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "put down roots"

Meaning

The phrase "put down roots" is used to talk about the act of establishing a permanent home or residence in a particular place. It is also used metaphorically to suggest the development of emotional connections and strong ties with a person, group or place. It implies that one prepares to stay in the place for a long duration, and truly make it home.

Etymology

The phrase “put down roots” was first used in the English language in the 19th century. It likely originates from the idea of planting a tree and hence, “putting down” its root system into the ground. This is analogous to one who seeks to establish a home and “put down roots” in a place. Additionally, the use of “roots” suggests deep connections to the place in question, both physically and metaphysically.

Usage

“Put down roots” is not only used in the literal sense to describe setting up a home, but it is also used in a more figurative way. As mentioned previously, it is used to imply the establishment of emotional ties with a person or a place. This can be seen in the phrase’s use in literature and other forms of media, such as song lyrics and movie dialogues. Additionally, one can hear the phrase used in everyday conversations between friends and family.

Example Sentences

• After travelling around the world for a few years, Paul decided to finally put down roots in a quiet town in the countryside.
• Many immigrants come to America with the hopes of putting down roots and starting a new life.
• The couple has been in the same town for nearly 40 years now, and they have definitely put down roots.
• After a few rough years in college, Sally was finally ready to put down roots and focus on her studies.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.