stump

Related to stump: stump up

back of the black stump

In or of an extremely remote, isolated, or uncivilized location, usually meaning the Australian outback. "Black stump" is used colloquially as an imaginary marker of the edge of civilized settlement, though the origin of the term is uncertain. Primarily heard in Australia. There are many people who still live back of the black stump, lacking access to medical care and other basic social services.
See also: back, black, of, stump

beyond the black stump

In or of an extremely remote, isolated, and/or uncivilized location, usually meaning the Australian outback. "Black stump" is used colloquially as an imaginary marker of the edge of civilized settlement, though the origin of the term is uncertain. Primarily heard in Australia. There are many people who still live beyond the black stump, lacking access to medical care and other basic social services.
See also: beyond, black, stump

black stump

An imaginary marker of the edge of civilized settlement, usually referring to the Australian outback. The origin of the term is uncertain. Primarily heard in Australia. There are many people who still live beyond the black stump, lacking access to medical care and other basic social services.
See also: black, stump

draw stumps

1. In cricket, to call an end of gameplay for the day, as by removing the stumps (part of the wicket) from the ground. As the umpire draws stumps for the day, India has beaten England by 133 runs.
2. By extension, to cease doing something or bring something to an end. In spite of the biting scandal, the footballer said he would not be drawing stumps on his international career. This has gotten horribly boring, let's draw stumps and go home.
See also: draw, stump

on the stump

Campaigning in an effort to garner votes and political support. Primarily heard in US. While on the stump in West Virginia, the candidate made several confusing remarks about her position on immigration reform.
See also: on, stump

pull up stumps

1. In cricket, to call an end to gameplay for the day, as by removing the stumps (part of the wicket) from the ground. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. As the umpire draws stumps for the day, India has beaten England by 133 runs. This has gotten horribly boring, let's pull up stumps and go home.
2. By extension, to cease doing something or bring something to an end. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. In spite of the biting scandal, the footballer said he would not be pulling up the stumps on his international career. OK, I think we've done enough work for the day. Let's pull up stumps and get out of here.
3. To pack up and leave from one's camp site. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. After a week of roughing it in the countryside, we finally pulled up stumps and decided to stay in a bed and breakfast for the night before going back home.
See also: pull, stump, up

stir (one's) stumps

1. To start moving. "Stumps" are a slang term for "legs." You kids have been sitting around playing video games all day—it's time to get outside and stir your stumps!
2. To increase one's pace while doing some activity. Stir your stumps! We've got to move faster if we want to finish our run before sundown.
See also: stir, stump

stump

slang One's leg. Usually used in plural constructions. A: "Wow, look at the stumps on her!" B: "Dude, don't be so disrespectful." My stump was swollen to grotesque proportions from the snake bite.

stump for (one)

To campaign or canvas an area on behalf of a different political candidate, especially by making speeches to large crowds. The former president has been vigorously stumping for his friend and colleague across the Midwest. It will be a huge boost if we can get such a renowned senator stumping for you.
See also: stump

stump up

To pay the required amount of money, especially unwillingly or reluctantly. A noun or pronoun can be used between "stump" and "up." Primarily heard in UK. I hate having to pay for more repairs already, but it's still cheaper to just stump up the cash than go buy a whole new car. The company was found liable for costs by the jury but has so far refused to stump the money up.
See also: stump, up

take to the stump

To campaign, with an emphasis on delivering political speeches. The stump of a tree used to serve as the platform for these speeches. Primarily heard in US. If you want to be voted onto city council, you need to take to the stump and talk to the people.
See also: stump, take

this side of the black stump

Within the local community or a general area familiar to the speaker and/or audience, where "black stump" is used colloquially as an imaginary marker of the edge of civilization. Primarily heard in Australia. You won't find a better deal this side of the black stump. I've got the tastiest recipe for beef stew this side of the black stump.
See also: black, of, side, stump, this

up a stump

In a challenging situation. I'm a single mother who just lost her job—I'm really up a stump right now.
See also: stump, up

whip the devil around the stump

obsolete To act evasively or deceptively. The committee needs to take decisive action and stop whipping the devil around the stump. This latest document is just a way for the lawyer to whip the devil around the stump and keep delaying the proceedings.
See also: around, devil, stump, whip

you've/it's got me stumped

slang I don't know; I have no idea. Well, you've got me stumped. When did Millard Fillmore become president? Can you help me with this math problem? It's got me stumped.
See also: stump
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

stump for someone

to go about making political speeches in support of someone. The vice president was out stumping for members of Congress who were running this term. Since all the politicians were out stumping for one another, there was no one in the capital to vote on important legislation.
See also: stump

stump someone

to confuse or puzzle someone. I have a question that will really stump you. When was the Achaean League established?

(You've) got me stumped.

Inf. I can't possibly figure out the answer to your question. Bill: How long is the Amazon River? Jane: You've got me stumped. Bob: Do you know of a book that would interest a retired sea captain? Sally: You've got me stumped.
See also: stump
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on the stump

COMMON If a politician is on the stump, he or she is travelling to different places and speaking to voters as part of their election campaign. Tariq Ali, Tony Benn and others are on the stump all over the country, speaking to loyal audiences. Despite his falling popularity, the president braved it on the stump today on behalf of his fellow Republicans. Note: This expression comes from politicians using tree stumps as platforms when giving a speech in the open air.
See also: on, stump
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

draw stumps

cease doing something.
In the game of cricket, the stumps are taken out of the ground at the close of play.
See also: draw, stump

stir your stumps

(of a person) begin to move or act. British informal , dated
Stump has been used as an informal term for ‘leg’ since the 15th century; the expression itself dates from the mid 16th century.
See also: stir, stump

beyond the black stump

beyond the limits of settled, and therefore civilized, life. Australian
This phrase comes from the custom of using a fire-blackened stump of wood as a marker when giving directions to travellers.
See also: beyond, black, stump

on the stump

going about the country making political speeches or canvassing. chiefly North American
In rural America in the late 18th century, the stump of a felled tree was often used as an impromptu platform for someone making a speech.
See also: on, stump

up a stump

in a situation too difficult for you to manage. US
See also: stump, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

stir your ˈstumps

(old-fashioned, British English, informal) begin to move; hurry: You stir your stumps and get ready for school, my girl!
Stump is an informal word for ‘leg’.
See also: stir, stump
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

stump up

v.
1. To provide some funds or capital: An investor stumped up the money to expand the business.
2. To pay some amount of money, often reluctantly: We had to stump up $30 just to get inside.
See also: stump, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

stump

1. tv. to confuse or puzzle someone. I like to stump people with hard questions.
2. tv. to visit or tour a place. We stumped all of Europe this summer.
3. n. a visit or tour. The old girl is off on another stump.
4. Go to stumps.

stumps

n. a person’s legs. You need good strong stumps to do that kind of climbing.
See also: stump
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • back of the black stump
  • beyond the black stump
  • this side of the black stump
  • black stump
  • chillin
  • chillin’
  • cruisin
  • cruising for a bruising
  • bruisin
References in periodicals archive
In this case, the stump has to follow what the rest of the trees do, because since it lacks transpiring leaves, it escapes the atmospheric pull," Leuzinger said.
Surrounding trees keep tree stumps alive!
It's not a new idea either, since scientists have suspected for years that such networks really exist, evidenced by other living tree stumps that they've previously observed.
How Trees Are Keeping This Lone Tree Stump Alive
Warner enjoyed a lucky escape, Dhawan (top) hit a ton, Khawaja was bowled (top right) stumps & BUMPS
ANOTHER BAILS-UP; Warner survives another Zinger minger but it was India who scored the KO in this heavyweight battle
On all five occasions, the batsmen survived despite bowlers breaching their defence to hit the stumps.
Let the zing light up, why wait for it to be dislodged
Earlier in the tournament South Africa's Quinton de Kock inside edged a ball onto his stumps but the bails stayed in place.
Umpires slammed as Aussies trump West Indies
"This dismisses claims that the photo was a photoshop based on the radius of the stump and the dated year (2011) on the plaque," she said.
Why Wangari Maathai tree was cut down
" Unaware of this latest video leak, Kohli hadsaid after the Perth Testthat he felt under no pressure to behave differently because of the stump mics.
Ishant-Jadeja spat throws spotlight on use of stump mics
Stump appendicitis that occurs after the appendectomy performed due to acute appendicitis is a frequent occurrence; however, to our knowledge, acute appendicitis caused by the tip of the appendix has been reported in several cases.
A Rare Cause of Acute Appendicitis after Appendectomy: Tip Appendicitis/Apendektomiden Sonra Akut Apandisitin Nadir Bir Nedeni: Uc Apandisit
[5] Thus, in addition to assisting amputees during therapy sessions, consultation from doctors and therapists regarding proper stump positions was also necessary.
Awareness, potential factors, and post-amputation care of stump flexion contractures among transtibial amputees
The widow of former Congressman Bob Stump has called on a congressional candidate by the same name to stop this charade and publicly acknowledge he is not related to her family.
Bob Stump: Name claim fuels feud in CD8
Q IS it necessary to remove a tree stump? Jack Entwistle, via email AWHILE a stump could be used to support a climber, it is best to remove them as stumps can foster root diseases such as honey fungus.
Q & A; Gardening
I have a stump for a left arm but this story is nothing to do with that--not to do with the diabetic rot that set in and got control before I understood, before the doctors could act and save it.
Stumps
On the Stump: Campaign Oratory and Democracy in the United States, Britain, and Australia
On the Stump: Campaign Oratory and Democracy in the United States, Britain, and Australia
Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed pericecal inflammation and a residual appendiceal stump (Figure 1) in his right iliac fossa.
Stump Appendicitis: Result of an Incomplete Surgery
QI HAD a tree in my garden cut down two years ago and left the stump in situ.
ASK DAVID