(as) dumb as a stump

Very unintelligent or foolish. You took apart the entire washing machine just to unblock the pump? I swear, sometimes you can be as dumb as a stump, Larry. I used to think she was dumb as a stump when we were kids, but she grew up to be a particle physicist. Are you dumb as a stump? Why would you touch the alarm when the sign clearly says "DO NOT TOUCH" in bold red letters?

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. I could never live back of the black stump—l need access to the amenities of the modern world! Well, if it's back of the black stump, no wonder we've never heard of it!

beyond 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 beyond the black stump, lacking access to medical care and other basic social services. I could never live beyond the black stump—l need access to the amenities of the modern world! Well, if it's beyond the black stump, no wonder we've never heard of it!

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. I could never live back of the black stump—l need access to the amenities of the modern world! I've got the tastiest recipe for beef stew this side of the 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. Of course they're going to draw stumps. Why, they can't continue the match in a torrential downpour like this! Good luck getting the kids to drop their bats, draw stumps, and come inside for dinner

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. OK, I think we've done enough work for the day. Let's draw stumps and get out of here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

draw stumps

cease doing something.

In the game of cricket, the stumps are taken out of the ground at the close of play.

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.

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.

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.

up a stump

in a situation too difficult for you to manage. US

See also: stump, up

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’.

stump up

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

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.