creek 
/ˈkri:k/ noun
plural creeks /ˈkri:k/ noun [count] 1 US : a small stream
▪ The children waded in the creek. 2 Brit : inlet
▪ The coast is dotted with tiny creeks.
▪ The children waded in the creek.
▪ The coast is dotted with tiny creeks.
up the creek or up the creek without a paddle
informal : in a very difficult situation that you cannot get out of
▪ If you hadn't helped us, we would've been up the creek.
▪ If you hadn't helped us, we would've been up the creek.
