General
if the creek don't rise
What does if the creek don't rise mean?
A qualifier meaning "if nothing goes wrong," attached to plans.
"I'll be there Sunday, Lord willin' and if the creek don't rise."
Origin
Rural Southern idiom referring to flooding creeks that could literally strand travelers; often paired with "Lord willing."
Frequently asked questions
What does "if the creek don't rise" mean?
It's a qualifier on a plan meaning "if nothing goes wrong"—barring unforeseen trouble.
How do you use "if the creek don't rise"?
Attach it to a plan, often with "Lord willing," as in "I'll be there Sunday, Lord willin' and if the creek don't rise."
Where does "if the creek don't rise" come from?
It's a rural Southern idiom referring to flooding creeks that could literally strand travelers, often paired with "Lord willing."
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