Can be helpful if one is up the creek (6)

I believe the answer is:

paddle

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'can' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for paddle that I've seen before include "Walk by the shore" , "Blade of a water wheel" , "Walk with bare feet in shallow water" , "Canoe mover" , "Manual propeller for canoe" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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