over a barrel (redirected from have someone over a barrel)

*over a barrel

Fig. out of one's control; in a dilemma. (*Typically: get someone ~; have someone ~; put someone ~.) He got me over a barrel, and I had to do what he said. Ann will do exactly what I say. I've got her over a barrel.

See also: barrel

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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 the idea of making someone lie on a barrel (a large, curved container) so they will be unable to move freely

See also: barrel