The phrase "proverbial creek" refers to a difficult or challenging situation that people often mention or talk about. It is used to describe being in a tough spot or facing a problem without an easy solution. Full definition
If their respective products aren't superior by this point, they certainly are «good enough,» which leaves BlackBerry up the proverbial creek. (canadianbusiness.com)
The substitution would have left Bolton Wanderers up a proverbial creek without the proverbial paddle and luckily, it didn't happen with Jay Spearing emerging from the tunnel wearing a large bandage on his head. (lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com)
The boys do some investigation and find out their mother was in hard financial straits: their father lost the family ranch in a card game and then died, leaving their mother up the proverbial creek. (rottentomatoes.com)