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