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.
No one put them over a barrel and said they had to do this.
From The Verge • May 3, 2022
"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 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
