If you're "up the creek", you're in trouble; if you're "up the creek without" this, even worse
[DOC] [TLE] Phrases, Clichs, Expressions & Sayings (U) - Joe-ks [PAR] I will take you under my wing, teach you the trade, and make you the best ... the 
emergency one failed - you might say he was up the creek without a paddle.