have over the barrel
1have over a barrel — have (someone) over a barrel to put someone in a very difficult situation in which they have no choice about what to do. She knows I need the work, so she s got me over a barrel in terms of what she pays me …
2over a barrel — also[over the barrel] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In the power of your enemies; not able to do anything about what happens to you; in a helpless condition; trapped. * /Bill had Tom over a barrel because Tom owed him money./ * /Ralph has me over a… …
3over a barrel — also[over the barrel] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In the power of your enemies; not able to do anything about what happens to you; in a helpless condition; trapped. * /Bill had Tom over a barrel because Tom owed him money./ * /Ralph has me over a… …
4have someone over a barrel — have (someone) over a barrel to put someone in a very difficult situation in which they have no choice about what to do. She knows I need the work, so she s got me over a barrel in terms of what she pays me …
5over a barrel — adverb : at the mercy of one s opponents : in a helpless condition had him over a barrel * * * over a barrel informal phrase if someone has you over a barrel, they know that you are in a difficult situation and that you will have to do what they… …
6(have somebody) over a barrel — (get/have sb) over a barrel idiom (informal) (to put/have sb) in a situation in which they must accept or do what you want • They ve got us over a barrel. Either we agree to their terms or we lose the money. Main entry: ↑barrelidiom …
7over a barrel — in a situation in which someone has no choice about what to do. The software company has you over a barrel – if you don t accept the license, you can t use the software. Usage notes: usually used with have, as in the example Etymology: based on… …
8over a barrel — in a helpless or trapped position I think that we have them over a barrel and should be able to win the contract easily …
9(get somebody) over a barrel — (get/have sb) over a barrel idiom (informal) (to put/have sb) in a situation in which they must accept or do what you want • They ve got us over a barrel. Either we agree to their terms or we lose the money. Main entry: ↑barrelidiom …
10have someone in one's power — have someone under one s power I doubt that Roger will ever have Etta under his power Syn: have control over, have influence over, have under one s thumb, have at one s mercy, have in one s clutches, have in the palm of one s hand, have someone… …
