← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: Without funding, they were up the creek.

Up the creek

Meaning

In a difficult situation with no easy answers.

Usage

Used to describe trouble with limited escape.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Stranding on creeks had serious consequences for sailors.

Used since the 18th century in nautical stories.

Related Idioms

Up the creek without a paddle

In a difficult situation with no obvious way out.

Back to the wall

In a difficult situation with limited options.

Come up smelling like roses

Emerges from a difficult situation surprisingly well.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.