General
beyond the black stump
What does beyond the black stump mean?
An imaginary point beyond which the country is remote and uncivilised.
"You'd have to go beyond the black stump to find quieter camping."
Origin
Australian idiom referencing a charred tree stump used as a landmark.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'beyond the black stump' mean?
It refers to an imaginary point past which the country is remote and uncivilised; anything 'beyond the black stump' is a very long way from anywhere.
Where does 'beyond the black stump' come from?
The idiom references a charred tree stump used as a real or notional landmark, marking the boundary of the known, settled country in the Australian bush.
Is there a real black stump?
Several towns claim to have the original black stump, but the phrase is essentially a folkloric marker for the edge of civilisation rather than one fixed spot.
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