up (a|the) creek (without a paddle|)
1
used to convey that one is in a difficult or challenging situation without a clear solution
The idiom "up a creek" is derived from the idea of finding oneself in a difficult or unfavorable situation, often without any obvious solution or means of escape. It suggests being in a predicament where one is facing challenges or obstacles they cannot overcome.
- Customers feel they have been left up the creek without a paddle by the bank.
- If we don't address this problem now, we will be up a creek without a paddle in the near future.
- Shouldn't we stop for gas?We'll be up a creek if the car dies on that desolate road ahead.
- The company's recent collapse has left their pension fund members up the creek.
- After his car broke down in the middle of nowhere, he was up a creek without a tow truck.