Definition
in a difficult or problematic situation
处于困境；陷入麻烦
If we miss the deadline, we'll really be up the creek.
如果我们错过了截止日期，我们就真的陷入麻烦了。
Without a backup plan, they'll be up the creek if anything goes wrong.
如果没有备用计划，如果出了什么问题，他们就会陷入困境。
He found himself up a creek when his major client cancelled the contract.
当他的主要客户取消了合同时，他发现自己陷入了困境。