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/ˌʌp ɐ ðə kɹˈiːk wɪðˌaʊt ɐ pˈadəl/
/ˌʌp ɐ ðə kɹˈiːk wɪðˌaʊt ɐ pˈædəl/up a creek (without a paddle)
What is the origin of the idiom "up a creek" and when to use it?
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.
Example
If we don't address this problem now, we will be up a creek without a paddle in the near future.
The company's recent collapse has left their pension fund members up the creek.
If we don't address this problem now, we will be up a creek without a paddle in the near future.
After his car broke down in the middle of nowhere, he was up a creek without a tow truck.
Customers feel they have been left up the creek without a paddle by the bank.
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