have over a barrel

have over a barrel
have (someone) over a barrel to put someone in a very difficult situation in which they have no choice about what to do.

She knows I need the work, so she's got me over a barrel in terms of what she pays me.


New idioms dictionary. 2014.

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  • over a barrel — also[over the barrel] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In the power of your enemies; not able to do anything about what happens to you; in a helpless condition; trapped. * /Bill had Tom over a barrel because Tom owed him money./ * /Ralph has me over a… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • over a barrel — also[over the barrel] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In the power of your enemies; not able to do anything about what happens to you; in a helpless condition; trapped. * /Bill had Tom over a barrel because Tom owed him money./ * /Ralph has me over a… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • have someone over a barrel — have (someone) over a barrel to put someone in a very difficult situation in which they have no choice about what to do. She knows I need the work, so she s got me over a barrel in terms of what she pays me …   New idioms dictionary

  • over a barrel — If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no choice but to accept what they want …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • have someone over a barrel — To be in a position to get whatever one wants from someone • • • Main Entry: ↑barrel …   Useful english dictionary

  • over a barrel — adverb : at the mercy of one s opponents : in a helpless condition had him over a barrel * * * over a barrel informal phrase if someone has you over a barrel, they know that you are in a difficult situation and that you will have to do what they… …   Useful english dictionary

  • (have somebody) over a barrel — (get/have sb) over a barrel idiom (informal) (to put/have sb) in a situation in which they must accept or do what you want • They ve got us over a barrel. Either we agree to their terms or we lose the money. Main entry: ↑barrelidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • over a barrel — informal if someone has you over a barrel, they know that you are in a difficult situation and that you will have to do what they want They had us over a barrel. We had no choice but to pay …   English dictionary

  • over a barrel —    If someone has you over a barrel, they have you in a position where you have no choice but to accept what they want.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • over a barrel — in a situation in which someone has no choice about what to do. The software company has you over a barrel – if you don t accept the license, you can t use the software. Usage notes: usually used with have, as in the example Etymology: based on… …   New idioms dictionary

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