over a barrel
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It said the "unacceptable outcome" followed a pattern seen at other opencast sites, where councils were "held over a barrel", facing huge costs if companies ultimately decided to walk away.
From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024
"They tried to renegotiate their contracts halfway through the show and hold the producers over a barrel by walking out," she said in reference to a walkout that happened ahead of the shooting.
From Fox News • Nov. 2, 2021
The semiconductor shortage means there will be plenty of must-buy gadgets in short supply and the companies with barely functional webpages have feverish consumers in need of the next new thing over a barrel.
From The Verge • May 23, 2021
“Our attorneys have us over a barrel with their refusal to go to court.”
From Washington Post • Dec. 14, 2017
“They’ve got us over a barrel and they know it.”
From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
