English with Jo

In recognition of Australia Day, which is held on 26th January every year, today's English idiom of the day is an Australian expression.

Up a Gum tree

If you are 'up a gum tree' you are in trouble or in a very awkward position.

Example:  Tony: "My wife caught me buying a drink for my attractive secretary."  John: "Oh mate, you are up a  gum tree!"

Did you know...?  The original version of this idiom was "like a possum up a gum tree".  It relates to possums getting into difficulty and being chased up gum trees by dogs.