PhrasesHub

Over a barrel

    Definitions

      • in a difficult situation
        Describing someone as being in a position where they have no choice or control over a situation and are at the mercy of others

      • at someone's mercy
        Indicating that someone has power over another person and can manipulate or control the situation to their advantage

    Examples of Over a barrel

    • The company's refusal to lower their prices has left us over a barrel. We have already invested a significant amount of money into this project and cannot afford to back out now, even if the financial returns are uncertain.

      The idiom "over a barrel" generally means that someone is in a difficult or helpless position. In this context, it refers to being placed in a position where one has no options or alternatives, similar to being trapped in a barrel. The use of this idiom in the above example indicates that the company's refusal to lower prices has put us in a financially precarious position where we have little to no control over the situation. We are forced to continue with the project, even if it may result in financial losses, because withdrawing would be even more detrimental.

    • If the boss demands that the marketing team presents a detailed sales report by the end of the day, and the team has not yet finished compiling the data, they could feel like they're over a barrel.

      The idiom "over a barrel" means being in a very difficult and powerless position, with no good options. In this example, the marketing team is under the boss's pressure to deliver the report by the end of the day, even if they're not fully prepared. This puts them in an uncomfortable and helpless situation where they have no choice but to meet the boss's demand, no matter how inconvenient it might be. It's a metaphorical reference to being trapped in a literal barrel, where one's movements and actions are restricted.

    • During a negotiation, if one party asks for extreme concessions that the other party is not willing to grant, they may feel like they're over a barrel.

      This is a common example of the idiom being used in a negotiation context. The other party's unreasonable demands put the first party in a difficult position, leaving them with no other alternative but to accept the terms, or risk losing out on the negotiations altogether. It's a tricky situation where one has to carefully evaluate the consequences of rejecting the demands, and consider the potential outcomes.

    • If a company's competitors release a new product that outperforms the company's existing product line, the latter may feel like they're over a barrel.

      The company may have to resort to offering price cuts or other promotional offers, to stay competitive in the market. Failure to do so may result in lost customers and reduction in business, further pushing the company into a corner. This example highlights how the actions of competitors can put a company in a difficult position, forcing them to respond accordingly.

    • If a criminal accidentally destroys evidence that could have proven their innocence, they could feel like they're over a barrel.

      The criminal may have to rely on misleading or false evidence to defend themselves in court, as they're unable to access the actual evidence. This puts them in a difficult position, as they may have to resort to lying or fabricating evidence to avoid being convicted. It's a desperate situation where the criminal's actions could have serious legal consequences, and they're left with no other option than to cheat the system or take a plea deal. This example demonstrates how someone's careless actions can lead to unintended and unforeseen consequences, leaving them vulnerable and helpless.

    • The CEO put the marketing director over a barrel when he demanded immediate results or else he would fire her.

      The phrase "over a barrel" is used to describe a situation in which someone is put in a position where they have no choice but to do what the other person wants, typically because they are in a vulnerable position. In this example, the CEO's demand for immediate results has left the marketing director in a difficult position where she has no choice but to try to meet his demands, or face being fired.

    • The sales team was over a barrel when the competitor released a new product at a lower price, making it difficult for our team to compete.

      In this example, the sales team is facing a situation where they have little choice but to respond to the competitor's new product, as they are in a vulnerable position due to the lower price. This can put them in a difficult position, as they may need to lower their own prices in order to remain competitive, which could put their profits at risk.

    • The city council put the homeowners' association over a barrel when they approved a new development that significantly decreased property values.

      This example shows how a decision made by a third party can put someone in a vulnerable position where they have little choice but to accept the situation. In this case, the city council's decision to approve the new development has left the homeowners' association facing a significant decrease in property values, which could result in a decrease in membership dues and other forms of revenue.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "over a barrel" is used to convey the idea of being in a difficult or powerless situation, where one has no control and is at the mercy of others. It can be used to describe someone who is in a tough spot and has no choice but to comply with the demands of others.

    Origin of "Over a barrel"

    The origin of the idiom "over a barrel" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase might have derived from the practice of dunking someone over a barrel as a form of punishment or coercion. Alternatively, it could have been inspired by the literal act of being placed over a barrel, rendering a person vulnerable and helpless. Over time, the expression evolved to its current figurative meaning of being in a difficult or vulnerable position.

    Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and everyday conversation, demonstrating its widespread use and understanding among English speakers.