stumper

[stˈʌmpɚ] /ˈstəmpə(r)/ (ame, mw)

stumper — noun

1. A question or problem that is so hard to answer or solve that it makes people st

1.名詞C1
釋義

A question or problem that is so hard to answer or solve that it makes people stop and think.

例句

The final interview question was a real stumper, and nobody answered at once.

collocation: a real stumper

Jessica gave the quiz team a stumper about maps of South America.

ask or give someone a stumper

同義詞
  • poser

    close in meaning, but often sounds more British or slightly old-fashioned

  • brainteaser

    more playful; usually a question designed as a game

  • puzzle

    broader; can describe any confusing problem, not just one that leaves people stuck

反義詞
  • answer

    the reply that solves the question

  • solution

    the explanation or fix that removes the difficulty

文法句型

a real stumper

ask + noun phrase + a stumper

a stumper for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Usually informal and often used with words like real or absolute. It often names a question that stops people suddenly rather than a long-term difficulty.

常見錯誤

❌The heavy box was a stumper to lift.
✅The heavy box was hard to lift.
💡'stumper' usually refers to a puzzling question or problem, not simply a difficult physical task.

2. A worker or machine used to pull tree stumps out of the ground after trees have

2.名詞C2
釋義

A worker or machine used to pull tree stumps out of the ground after trees have been cut down.

例句

The crew brought in a stumper to clear the old apple field.

use a stumper to clear land

After the storm, Ryan rented a stumper to remove the pine stumps.

rent a stumper

同義詞
  • stump remover

    more transparent modern term for the same job or machine

  • stump grinder

    specifically a machine that grinds the stump rather than pulling it out whole

文法句型

rent a stumper

use a stumper to + verb

用法筆記

This sense often refers to a machine, but older usage can also mean a worker who removes stumps by hand or with tools.

常見錯誤

❌The stumper cut the tree down.
✅The logger cut the tree down, and the stumper removed the stump.
💡a stumper works after the tree has already been cut.

3. The cricket player who stands behind the wicket to catch missed balls and stop e

3.名詞C2
釋義

The cricket player who stands behind the wicket to catch missed balls and stop extra runs.

例句

The stumper grabbed the edge before the batter could run for one.

cricket role behind the wicket

Naoko trained as a stumper because quick hands mattered more than height.

play as a stumper

同義詞

文法句型

play as a stumper

good stumper

用法筆記

This is a specialist or old-fashioned cricket term. In most modern descriptions, wicketkeeper is the more usual word.

常見錯誤

❌The stumper bowled the first over.
✅The bowler delivered the first over, while the stumper waited behind the wicket.
💡the stumper catches behind the wicket rather than bowling.

4. A person who travels around making political speeches in support of a candidate

4.名詞C2
釋義

A person who travels around making political speeches in support of a candidate or party.

例句

The mayor was a lively stumper who could fill a county fairground.

political speaker who tours

During the election, Hassan followed the candidate's best stumper from town to town.

best stumper

同義詞
  • campaign speaker

    clear modern paraphrase with the same political focus

  • speechmaker

    broader; does not always imply election travel or party support

文法句型

serve as a stumper

send + noun phrase + out as a stumper

用法筆記

Mostly found in American political history or formal writing. Modern everyday English more often says campaign speaker or speechmaker.

常見錯誤

❌The stumper wrote the party budget plan.
✅The stumper gave speeches for the campaign.
💡a stumper is known for travelling speeches, not for every party job.