fold our tents, (let us)
- Definition: Quietly depart, go home.
- Origin: This term comes from Longfellow’s poem “The Day Is Done” (1844): “And the night shall be filled with music, And the cares, that infest the day, Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs, And as silently steal away.”
- Modern Usage: Today it is often used jocularly, as in “Come on, it’s after eleven. Time to fold our tents.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Make a quiet exit: Leave without attracting attention.
- Steal away: Depart secretly.
- Call it a night: Indicate that it’s time to leave or end activities for the evening.
- Bow out: To resign or depart gracefully.
- Vanish into thin air: Disappear suddenly and completely.
Synonyms:
- Slip away
- Sneak out
- Retreat quietly
Antonyms:
- Create a scene
- Make a fuss
- Depart noisily
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Life is not a fairy tale. If you lose your shoe at midnight, you’re drunk.” 😜
Proverbs:
- “Discretion is the better part of valor.” – Sometimes, the best action is to avoid action or quietly take your leave.
- “Silence is golden.” – There is often great value in staying quiet or making a silent departure.
Recommended Literature:
- “The Day Is Done and Other Poems” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
- “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern – A tale of magical quiet exits and entrances.
- “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley – Selections on quiet, dystopian mundanity.
Recommended Songs:
- “Goodnight Moon” by Go Radio – Perfect soundtrack for calling it a night softly.
- “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel – Emphasis on eloquent silences.
Recommended Movies:
- Lost in Translation (2003) – Captures beautiful, quiet departures in life.
- Before Sunset (2004) – A story that thrives on the seclusion of intimate, quiet moments.
### Which of these best represents the expression "fold our tents"?
- [ ] Running out singing
- [x] Quietly departing
- [ ] Leaving with fireworks
- [ ] Yelling goodbye
> **Explanation:** "Fold our tents" means to leave quietly and without a fuss, drawing from Longfellow's poetic metaphor.
### Which Longfellow poem is "fold our tents" derived from?
- [ ] "The Seasons"
- [x] "The Day Is Done"
- [ ] "A Psalm of Life"
- [ ] "Evangeline"
> **Explanation:** "Fold our tents" comes from Longfellow's "The Day Is Done" written in 1844.
### True or False: 'Fold our tents' is commonly heard in loud party environments.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The expression "fold our tents" suggests making a quiet and unobtrusive exit, the opposite of what's common at loud parties.
Final Words of Wisdom 🗣️:
“In the orchestra of life, may you never miss the delicate symphony of knowing when it’s time to fold your tents.”
Until we meet again on the page of another expression, go gently and make your exits magnificent.
Enjoy your silent departures!
🌟 Elliot Quills, October 2023
