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.