Definition of "up the creek" [up the creek]

• In trouble; in a difficult situation. (adjective)

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• "Headlamp in hand, Boggins stumped up the creek bed."
• "The reports of our guns had been heard by Captain Meinhold, who at once started with his company up the creek to our aid, and when the remaining Indians, whom we were still fighting, saw these reinforcements coming they whirled their horses and fled; as their steeds were quite fresh they made their escape."
• "Using stones, they weighted down the shelter that covered Nims's body then trudged up the creek without light or conversation, saving their batteries figuratively and literally."