up shit creek

== English == === Alternative forms === up shit's creek up shit's creek without a paddle up shit creek without a paddle === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === up shit creek (vulgar) In trouble; in a difficult situation. Synonyms: up the creek, between a rock and a hard place; see also Thesaurus: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. Variant: "up shit creek in a barbed wire canoe without a paddle".