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up a tree

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up a tree

 

1. confused; without an answer to a problem; in difficulty. This whole business has me up a tree. I'm up a tree, and I need some help.

2. intoxicated. Only two glasses of booze and he was up a tree for sure. My buddy here is up a tree and needs a place to crash for the night.

See also: tree, up

up a tree

in a difficult situation If the insurance company won't pay for the damage, I'll be up a tree.

See also: tree, up

up a tree

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]

See also: tree, up

up a tree

1. mod. confused; without an answer to a problem; in difficulty. This whole business has me up a tree.

2. mod. alcohol intoxicated. My buddy here is up a tree and needs a crash for the night.

See also: tree, up

up a tree

Informal

In a situation of great difficulty or perplexity; helpless.

See also: tree, up