Phrases & SayingsPlaces and regional language
like a possum up a gum tree
Quick, clever or at home in a situation; historically an Australian possum/gum-tree comparison.
In a sentence
In this historical or contextual use, “like a possum up a gum tree” means quick, clever or at home in a situation; historically an Australian possum/gum-tree comparison.
Where it came from
Late-19th-century Australian discussion records the phrase among local similes, and related 'up a gum tree' forms have Australian life.
- Where used
- Australia-wide