over a barrel
1over 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… …
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 — • over a barrel • 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… …
4over\ the\ barrel — • over a barrel • 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… …
5over a barrel — If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no choice but to accept what they want …
6over a barrel — ► over a barrel informal in a severely disadvantageous position. Main Entry: ↑barrel …
7over 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… …
8over a barrel — informal 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 want They had us over a barrel. We had no choice but to pay …
9over 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… …
10over a barrel — adjective In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, in which one may be controlled or victimized. 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 …
