"Old Saying Describes Predicament" by Susan Pearl

That's like being up the creek without a paddle.


In my opinion, being up the creek without a paddle is describing being in a predicament because a main component is missing and that component is very needed for the situation.  Because of the missing component the situation is becoming a predicament.  Ingenuity is needed immediately to figure out a way to get out of the predicament.  Look at options and think of what is in the realm of possibilities to try and remedy the predicament.

The old saying is also suggesting for us to look ahead and have what we need for our endeavors so we don't get into a predicament.