up a tree

Idioms  

1. In a difficult situation, as in They found the drugs in his suitcase, so he was up a tree. This expression alludes to an animal, such as a raccoon or squirrel, that climbs a tree for refuge from attackers, which then surround the tree so it cannot come down. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Church-goers lit up a tree decorated with stars bearing the image of those killed in June.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

Responding to a call, Susan Clark of Topanga Animal Rescue witnessed BB14 facing down yipping coyotes, with her cubs up a tree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Local hunters were called in and brought hounds, which began trailing the bear, and chased it up a tree shortly afterward.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2025

He said the wounded bear ran off and climbed up a tree — but fell to the ground because of its injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2024

Ripper had chased Harry out into the garden and up a tree, and Aunt Marge had refused to call him off until past midnight.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• difficulty
• dilemma
• embarrassment
• impasse
• plight
• predicament
• puzzle
• uncertainty