be up the creek without a paddle
be up a/the creek (without a paddle)
slang To be in a challenging or troublesome situation, especially one that cannot be easily resolved. I have no savings, so if I get fired from my job, I'll be up the creek without a paddle. Shouldn't we stop for gas? We'll be up a creek if the car dies on that desolate road ahead. If the caterer can't make it to the event tomorrow night, then we are definitely up a creek without a paddle!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be up the creek without a paddle
be in severe difficulty, usually with no means of extricating yourself from it. informal Often shortened to be up the creek , this expression is recorded in the mid 20th century as military slang for ‘lost’ (for example, while on a patrol).
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
References in periodicals archive
After this the Labour government's health policy seemed to
be up the creek without a paddle. Considering the pressures, especially from privatisation, maybe Labour could reinstate such a body in Labour areas to begin with?
You have to think he was given a tad too much to do that day and the bookies could
be up the creek without a paddle now he's back in his correct class today.
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc
Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.