Up a blind alley - Taking a course of action that will lead to a negative outcome. I tried to convince him that he was going up a blind alley with his new plan, but he wouldn't believe me. I think things will turn out badly. Up a gum tree - In a very difficult situation that might be impossible to extricate oneself from. I've been looking at the situation and, honestly, I think we're up a gum tree. I don't know how we can get ourselves out of this. Up for grabs - Available to obtain. There is a lot of money up for grabs in the raffle. Let's hope we Up in arms - To be very upset or angry about something specific. The protestors were up in arms about the new law. They thought it was oppressive and wanted it to be changed. Up in the air - Not yet decided. Plans for our vacation this year are pretty much up in the air. There are so many options and we just can't decide among them. Up the creek without a paddle - To be in a bad situation and not be able to find a way to solve it. Maisie doesn't know what to do about the situation. She feels like she's up the creek without a paddle. Up to snuff - Meeting the standard of quality required. My brother got a disappointing grade on his essay. The teacher said it just wasn't up to snuff.