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Region: US | Usage example: He sat like a bump on a log while others debated.

Bump on a log

Meaning

Someone inert and unresponsive.

Usage

Used to describe passive observers.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Imagery of a log doing nothing.

Common in American speech by the early 1900s.

Related Idioms

Butter up

Flatter someone to gain favor.

Pass the buck

Shift responsibility to someone else.

Pay it forward

Repay kindness by helping someone else instead of the original benefactor.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.