Question

in_the_loop_757 in a bad situation and unable to proceed; in an awkward position with no easy way out Synonyms: high and dry; leave (someone) in the lurch

Accepted Answer

UP THE CREEK (WITHOUT A PADDLE) Charles agreed to finish the report for his study group, but then discovered that the books he needed were only available in the library, and the library was closed. He was up the creek.The city administrators expected to pay for street repairs from their existing budget but that money ran out when they had to pay for damages caused by unexpected storms. They were up the creek without a paddle. The expression suggests a situation where one is in a canoe on a small river without the means to navigate. It describes a situation in which one wants or needs to proceed but lacks the means.

Id	in_the_loop_757
Idiom	UP THE CREEK (WITHOUT A PADDLE)
Definition	in a bad situation and unable to proceed; in an awkward position with no easy way out
Examples	Charles agreed to finish the report for his study group, but then discovered that the books he needed were only available in the library, and the library was closed. He was up the creek. The city administrators expected to pay for street repairs from their existing budget but that money ran out when they had to pay for damages caused by unexpected storms. They were up the creek without a paddle.
Cross-Refs	Synonyms: high and dry; leave (someone) in the lurch
Extra Info	The expression suggests a situation where one is in a canoe on a small river without the means to navigate. It describes a situation in which one wants or needs to proceed but lacks the means.

Creek Situation Pay Loop Paddle Bad Unable Proceed