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Definition 2024


have_someone_over_a_barrel

over a barrel

English

1912 illustration of an inmate being punished in an American prison

Adjective

over a barrel (not comparable)

  1. (idiomatic) In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, especially one in which one may be controlled or victimized.
    • 1947 Sept. 1, "Happy Day," Time:
      Ford had the U.A.W. over a barrel; if it failed to sign by midnight, the U.A.W. would be forced to give up its union shop.

Synonyms

Translations

References

  • over a barrel” in Dictionary.com Unabridged, v1.0.1, Lexico Publishing Group, 2006.
  • over a barrel” in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Online.