Up a tree Meaning in English
expression
ˈəp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtɹi
UHP-uh-TREE
ˈʌp/ /æɪ/ /tɹˈiː
UHP-uh-TREE
Definition
An informal expression meaning to be in a difficult situation with no clear way out.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often used in conversation. Suggests being stuck or confused with no easy solution. Similar to 'in a jam' or 'in a pickle.' Rarely used literally (not about a tree).
Spanish: en apuros - sin salidaPortuguese (BR): em apuros - em uma situação difícilPortuguese (PT): em apuros - numa situação difícilChinese (Simplified): 进退两难 - 困境Chinese (Traditional): 進退兩難 - 困境Hindi: मुसीबत में - कठिनाई मेंArabic: في ورطة - في مأزقBengali: বিপাকে - সংকটেRussian: в тупике - в затрудненииJapanese: 困った状況で - 追い詰められてVietnamese: vào thế bí - gặp khó khănKorean: 곤경에 처한 - 난처한Turkish: köşeye sıkışmış - çıkmazdaUrdu: مشکل میں - پریشانی میںIndonesian: dalam kesulitan - terpojok
Example Sentences
The cat climbed up a tree and couldn't get down.
basic
I'm really up a tree with this math problem.
basic
If you lose your passport abroad, you'll be up a tree.
basic
"I tried everything, but I’m still up a tree."
natural
Whenever I talk to my boss, I feel up a tree.
natural
He was really up a tree after missing that flight.
natural