PhrasesHub

I'm stumped

    Definitions

      • feeling puzzled or unable to find a solution
        Expressing a state of confusion or being at a loss for a solution to a problem or question

    Examples of I'm stumped

    • The teacher asked a difficult question during the exam, and I couldn't come up with an answer. I'm stumped.

      When we're stumped, we're unable to solve a problem or answer a question because it's too difficult or we don't have enough information to figure it out.

    • I've been trying to fix this computer all night, but I keep running into problems. I'm stumped.

      In this example, the speaker is trying to solve a technical problem, but they don't have the knowledge or expertise to fix it, so they're stumped.

    • The detective couldn't find any clues at the crime scene, and he's stumped.

      Here, the detective is trying to solve a mystery or crime, but he doesn't have any evidence or leads to go on, so he's stumped.

    • I've been practicing for the chess tournament for months, but my opponent is too good for me. I'm stumped.

      In this example, the speaker is facing a difficult opponent in a game or competition, and they don't have a strategy to beat them, so they're stumped.

    • The teacher asked a difficult question in the math test, and I was completely stumped.

      The phrase "I'm stumped" means that someone is confused or unable to answer a question, and this is the situation that the speaker is in. The teacher has asked a challenging math question, and the speaker is struggling to find an answer.

    • My friend recommended a new restaurant, but I've never heard of it and I'm stumped as to where it might be.

      In this example, the speaker is unfamiliar with a particular location or item, and as a result, they are unable to answer a question or make a decision. Their friend has suggested a new restaurant, but the speaker does not know where it is located.

    • My computer suddenly stopped working, and I'm completely stumped as to what could be wrong.

      Here, the speaker is experiencing a technical issue with their computer, and they are unable to determine the cause of the problem. This can be a frustrating situation, as they do not know how to fix the issue or even where to begin looking for a solution.

    • My sister set up a complicated puzzle for me to complete, and I'm stumped as to how I'm ever going to solve it.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom in a game or puzzle context. The speaker is struggling to figure out the answer to a difficult challenge, and they do not know how they are going to be able to overcome the obstacle in front of them.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "I'm stumped" is commonly used to convey a sense of being puzzled or unable to find a solution to a problem. It can be used in various situations where someone is facing a challenge or difficulty and is at a loss for how to proceed. The intention behind using this idiom is to express a feeling of being stuck or unable to figure out a solution.

    It is often used in casual conversation or informal settings to convey a sense of confusion or frustration. People may use this idiom when they are unable to answer a question, solve a riddle, or find a solution to a problem. It is a way of acknowledging that they are unable to think of a solution or find a way forward.

    The idiom "I'm stumped" is a simple and effective way to express a feeling of being puzzled or unable to find a solution, and it is commonly used in everyday language.

    Origin of "I'm stumped"

    The origin of the idiom "I'm stumped" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The word "stumped" refers to being unable to move forward, as if one's path is blocked by a literal tree stump. Over time, the idiom "I'm stumped" came to be used figuratively to express a state of being unable to find a solution or answer to a problem.

    The idiom has since become a common phrase in the English language, and it is widely used today to convey a sense of being puzzled or unable to find a solution. It has become a popular and widely recognized expression in casual conversation and informal writing.