up a tree

up a tree  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}
1. Hunted or chased into a tree; treed.
The dog drove the coon up a tree so the hunter could shoot him.
2.  {informal} in trouble; having problems; in a difficulty that it is hard to escape or think of a way out of.
John's father has him up a tree in the checker game.
Compare: UP THE CREEK.
Categories: trouble {adj. phr.} {adv.} {informal}