up the creek without a paddle
Meaning
In a very difficult situation with no help, resources, or way to solve it.
Origin
From canoeing/boating: if you’re on a creek (or river) without a paddle, you can’t steer or propel yourself, so you’re stuck or in trouble. The figurative sense is recorded in 20th-century American English and spread widely.
Notes
Informal, fairly strong: implies you’re stuck with no solution. Can be used humorously. A more vulgar variant exists (“…without a fucking paddle”)—avoid in formal settings.
Examples
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When my phone died and I had no map, I was up the creek without a paddle in the middle of the city.
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If the server goes down during the demo, we’ll be up the creek without a paddle.
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He forgot his passport on the way to the airport and realized he was up the creek without a paddle.
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Without a backup plan, the team was up the creek without a paddle after the supplier canceled.
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I’m up the creek without a paddle unless you can lend me a ride to the interview.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a predicate/complement: “be up the creek without a paddle.” Tense and subject can change (was/is/will be). Often with “really” for emphasis. Fixed wording; “a paddle” is standard.
Synonyms
- in a bind
- in a jam
- in deep trouble
- out of luck
Antonyms
- in good shape
- have things under control
- be on track