Up a creek Meaning in English
expression
ˈəp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɹik
UHP-uh-KREEK
ˈʌp/ /æɪ/ /kɹˈiːk
UP-uh-KREEK
Definition
To be in a difficult or troublesome situation, especially one with no easy solution.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used humorously or ironically. Full form is 'up a creek without a paddle', but commonly shortened. Used mostly in the US. Do not use in formal writing. Similar to 'in trouble' or 'in a bind'.
Spanish: en un lío - en apurosPortuguese (BR): em apuros - em apuros sem saídaPortuguese (PT): em apuros - em sarilhosChinese (Simplified): 陷入困境 - 进退两难Chinese (Traditional): 陷入困境 - 進退兩難Hindi: मुसिबत में - फँसे हुएArabic: في ورطة - في مأزقBengali: বিপাকে পড়া - সমস্যায় পড়া - ফেঁসে যাওয়াRussian: в неприятности - в беде - в полном тупикеJapanese: 困った状況にいる - ピンチだVietnamese: gặp rắc rối lớn - lâm vào tình thế khó khănKorean: 곤경에 처하다 - 큰일이다Turkish: başı dertte olmak - kötü durumda olmakUrdu: بری مشکل میں ہونا - مصیبت میں پھنسناIndonesian: dalam masalah besar - dalam kesulitan
Example Sentences
If we lose our map, we'll be up a creek.
basic
Without help, we're really up a creek.
basic
She's up a creek after forgetting her homework.
basic
My phone died and I was lost—totally up a creek.
natural
If the car breaks down here, we're up a creek without a paddle.
natural
Forgot your wallet again? Looks like you're up a creek today!
natural