# put down roots

**Pronunciation:** /pʊt daʊn ruːts/ · PUT down ROOTS

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** idiom

## Meaning

To settle in a place and become a permanent part of the local community.

## Examples

- They lived in temporary apartments for years before they were ready to put down roots in a permanent home.
- Many immigrants find it difficult to put down roots in a new country while still feeling connected to their homeland.
- After traveling the world for his job, he wanted to return to his hometown to put down roots and start a family.

## Synonyms

- settle — General term for making a place one's home.
- establish oneself — Focuses on building a stable position or reputation in a new area.
- take root — Often used for ideas or habits, but also for people becoming integrated.
- settle down — Implies adopting a more stable, conventional lifestyle.

## Antonyms

- uproot — To leave a place where one has lived for a long time.

## Collocations

- finally put down roots — After years of moving, they finally put down roots in a small town.
- ready to put down roots — He felt he was finally ready to put down roots and buy a house.
- struggle to put down roots — Many expats struggle to put down roots in a foreign culture.

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