on the stump

What is the origin of the idiom "on the stump" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on the stump" can be traced back to the 19th century in the United States. During that time, political candidates would often deliver speeches in outdoor settings, using a tree stump as a makeshift platform. These stump speeches were a common way for candidates to connect with voters and share their views and campaign promises. Over time, the phrase "on the stump" came to represent the act of actively campaigning, delivering speeches, and engaging with the public during an election. While the practice of delivering speeches on an actual tree stump has become less common, the idiom "on the stump" continues to be used to describe political campaigning efforts.