How Do You Spell PULLS UP STAKES?

Pronunciation: [pˈʊlz ˌʌp stˈe͡ɪks] (IPA)

The phrase "pulls up stakes" is often used to indicate someone is leaving or relocating. The spelling of the word "stakes" is interesting because the "a" is pronounced as a long "a" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /eɪ/. This is because "stakes" is derived from the Middle English word "stake" which had a long "a" sound. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved, but the pronunciation remained the same. The phrase "pulls up stakes" emphasizes the physical act of removing stakes, or markers, to leave a specific area.