over a barrel

1912 illustration of an inmate being punished in an American prison

English

Adjective

over a barrel (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, in which one may be controlled or victimized.
   • 1947, "Happy Day," Time, 1 Sep.,

     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.

Translations

References

• "over a barrel" in the Dictionary.com Unabridged, v1.0.1, Lexico Publishing Group, 2006.
• "over a barrel" in Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, © 2006-2007 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.