up  a creek (without a paddle / )
up
ʌp
ap
<abbr style="text-decoration: underline;" title="a / the" > a</abbr>
ə
ē
creek
kri:k
krik
(without
wɪðaʊt
vidhawt
a
ə
ē
paddle / )
pædl
pādl

Definition & Meaning of "up a creek (without a paddle)"in English

up a creek (without a paddle)
01

used to convey that one is in a difficult or challenging situation without a clear solution 

up (a|the) creek (without a paddle|) definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

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.

Examples
If the engine dies out here, we will be up the creek without a paddle. 
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