English Explanatory Dictionary

over a barrel

English dictionary entry

Meanings

prep_phrase
  1. In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, especially one in which one may be controlled or victimized.

Pronunciation

En-au-over a barrel.ogg

Word forms

over a barrel

Etymology

According to The Oxford English Dictionary and The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms, the phrase possibly refers to the act of placing an individual who has been rescued from drowning over a barrel to allow their lungs to clear of water.

Synonyms

up a tree up the creek have someone by the short hairs § Synonyms
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