They’re like a fish up a tree

This malaphor was found in an article in The Athletic about why professional soccer players can’t strike the ball with both feet:

“Even at the top level, you can see players who are so uncomfortable on their wrong foot that it’s comical,” Zamora says.. “I’m talking about elite players, internationals – you put it onto their wrong foot and they’re like a fish up a tree.”

This is a mashup of “up a tree” (troublesome situation) and “a fish out of water” (one who does not feel comfortable in a new environment). Both idioms fit what the writer is trying to say, and the combo speaks for itself. Certainly a fish up a tree is in trouble AND uncomfortable. Kudos to Martin Pietrucha for spotting this one and sending it in!