Up the Creek Without a Paddle

Up the Creek Without a Paddle

Welcome to English in a Minute!

Here is a common saying in American English:

UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE

Hmmm.

I wonder if that means things are going well for someone?

Let’s see:

Jane was all ready to but that new car.

She had the money saved up for it.

I heard that too, but then she needed the money to fix up her house instead.

She is up the creek without a paddle, when it comes to getting that new car.

Being up the creek without a paddle, means you are in a bad situation.

There is no easy way out.

Because, if you are in a boat, on a creek, without a paddle to help move or turn, you can’t go forward.

It describes a situation in which someone wants or needs to act, but cannot.

And that’s English n a Minute!

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