stumper
[stˈʌmpɚ] /ˈstəmpə(r)/ (ame, mw)
stumper — 名詞
1. A question or problem that is so hard to answer or solve that it makes people st
難題
很難回答或解決的問題
A question or problem that is so hard to answer or solve that it makes people stop and think.
The final interview question was a real stumper, and nobody answered at once.
最後一道面試題真是個難題，當下沒有人答得出來。
collocation: a real stumper
Jessica gave the quiz team a stumper about maps of South America.
Jessica 出了一道關於南美洲地圖的難題給猜謎隊。
ask or give someone a stumper
For many parents, the new tax form is a stumper at first.
對許多家長來說，新的報稅表一開始就是個難題。
The riddle looked simple, but its last line turned into a stumper.
那則謎語看起來很簡單，但最後一句卻變成了難題。
- 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
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
2. A worker or machine used to pull tree stumps out of the ground after trees have
拔樹樁機
清除樹樁的人或機器
A worker or machine used to pull tree stumps out of the ground after trees have been cut down.
The crew brought in a stumper to clear the old apple field.
工作人員調來一台拔樹樁機，清理那片老蘋果園。
use a stumper to clear land
After the storm, Ryan rented a stumper to remove the pine stumps.
暴風雨過後，Ryan 租了一台拔樹樁機來清除松樹樁。
rent a stumper
The farmer said the stumper saved two days of digging by hand.
農夫說那台拔樹樁機省下了兩天徒手挖掘的時間。
A small stumper can reach corners where a large tractor cannot.
小型拔樹樁機能進到大型拖拉機到不了的角落。
- 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
3. The cricket player who stands behind the wicket to catch missed balls and stop e
板球守門員
板球中站三柱門後接球的人
The cricket player who stands behind the wicket to catch missed balls and stop extra runs.
The stumper grabbed the edge before the batter could run for one.
那位板球守門員在打者跑分前就先接住了擦邊球。
cricket role behind the wicket
Naoko trained as a stumper because quick hands mattered more than height.
Naoko 練習擔任板球守門員，因為快手比身高更重要。
play as a stumper
The coach moved Jin into the stumper's position during the school match.
教練在校隊比賽中把 Jin 調到板球守門員的位置。
A good stumper watches the batter's feet as closely as the ball.
好的板球守門員會像盯著球一樣盯著打者的腳步。
- wicketkeeper
the usual modern cricket term
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
4. A person who travels around making political speeches in support of a candidate
助選演說者
競選時四處助講的人
A person who travels around making political speeches in support of a candidate or party.
The mayor was a lively stumper who could fill a county fairground.
那位市長是個很有感染力的助選演說者，能把郡集會場坐滿。
political speaker who tours
During the election, Hassan followed the candidate's best stumper from town to town.
選舉期間，Hassan 跟著那位候選人最厲害的助選演說者跑遍各城鎮。
best stumper
Party leaders sent Stephanie west as a stumper for young voters.
黨內領袖派 Stephanie 往西部去，擔任吸引年輕選民的助選演說者。
Old newspapers praised Gabriel as the strongest stumper in the state.
舊報紙稱讚 Gabriel 是那個州最強的助選演說者。
- 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.