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.
"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
"The airlines have us over a barrel and don't seem to have any sympathy."
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2020
“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
