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Definitions

up a tree

ADVERB
out on a limb
Synonyms
WEAK
chancy dangerous exposed liable on the spot open perilous precarious risky shaky
NOUN
quandary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
difficulty dilemma embarrassment impasse plight predicament puzzle uncertainty
STRONG
bewilderment bind clutch corner doubt hang-up mire perplexity pickle spot strait
WEAK
Catch-22 double trouble
Antonyms
STRONGEST
good fortune solution
STRONG
boon success
WEAK
advantage certainty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Church-goers lit up a tree decorated with stars bearing the image of those killed in June.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

I hadn’t even wanted to put up a tree this Christmas, but when my husband and I went away on a weekend trip, my daughter secretly installed a four-foot one in our small two-bedroom rental.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

Responding to a call, Susan Clark of Topanga Animal Rescue witnessed BB14 facing down yipping coyotes, with her cubs up a tree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

You don’t have to load up a tree with ornaments, either.

From Washington Times • Dec. 6, 2023

I threw it to the monkey, and she grabbed it and ran immediately up a tree a little distance away.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo