up shit creek

English

Alternative forms

• up shit creek without a paddle, up shit's creek, up shit's creek without a paddle

Adjective

up shit creek

1. (idiomatic) In trouble; in a difficult situation.

Usage notes

• The addition of "without a paddle" in alternative forms is considered by some to suggest an intensification of the difficulty of the situation.

Synonyms

• up the creek
• between a rock and a hard place