set up shop somewhere

set up shop

1. Literally, to open or establish a business in a particular location. News of the major retail store setting up shop in the center of town has many local business owners worried.2. By extension, to establish oneself in a particular location for a prolonged period of time. When I was a freelancer, I used to set up shop in my local café everyday, usually in the same seat! There are a few regulars who come in nearly every afternoon and set up shop at the bar until closing time.See also: set, shop, up

set up shop somewhere

to establish one's place of work somewhere. Mary set up shop in a small office building on Oak Street. The police officer said, "You can't set up shop right here on the sidewalk!"See also: set, shop, somewhere, up