To 'up sticks' and 'in the sticks'

[xyzzy@bok]

anyone got reference to the origins of either of the above phrases please?

[Quizmonster]

In the early 1800s, one meaning of 'stick' was a ship's 'mast'. Hence, to 'up sticks' was to raise your masts in preparation for departure.

Re 'in the sticks', this is of American origin, whereby 'sticks' stands for 'woods' (ie forests) or, more specifically, 'backwoods'. So, 'in the sticks' means 'away from civilisation'.