[Idiom] UP THE CREEK. - Navigate Difficult Situations with Intriguing English Phrases
Up the creek.
In a very difficult situation.
If you hear someone say they are "up the creek," it usually means they are in a challenging situation and without a paddle; it’s the full version "up the creek without a paddle." The imagery is of a person trying to navigate a creek or a small river without any means to propel or steer their boat, symbolizing being stuck in a tough spot with no easy way out.
Example Sentences
He's up the creek without a paddle now.
He's in a very difficult situation without any help.
They were up the creek after losing their map.
They were in a tough spot after losing their map.
Finding themselves lost in the forest, they realized they were up the creek.
Realizing they were lost in the forest, they knew they were in serious trouble.