up a tree

Meaning

up a tree

(idiomatic, dated) In or into a disadvantaged or difficult situation; at a loss; cornered.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

perplexed at a loss stumped up the creek over a barrel

Examples

A 39-year-old man led police through a swamp and up a tree before finally being taken into custody Feb. 24. Source: Internet

An urgent appeal for help has been issued following a young cat being stuck around 100 feet up a tree in Perthshire. Source: Internet

The ambush may include leaping into water after prey, as a jaguar is quite capable of carrying a large kill while swimming; its strength is such that carcasses as large as a heifer can be hauled up a tree to avoid flood levels. Source: Internet

This added complication is one that fiction writers know well—chasing our main character up a tree, as the saying goes. Source: Internet

Though we didn't put up a tree and exchange gifts on Dec. 25, I returned the greeting of "Merry Christmas!" with sincerity. Source: Internet

When we get near she goes up a tree, but a branch breaks off and she falls back down, onto a black tree stump. Source: Internet

Words in the phrase

up a tree

Close letter words and terms

up a height up a storm up a stump up a-dazy up above up against