Over a barrel

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Meaning

Helpless, trapped, or subject to another person's control. Current informal idiom Regional use: United States; now widespread.

Origin

An Americanism attested figuratively in Washington State newspapers by 1890. The likeliest image is a person held over a barrel for punishment, a literal practice found in earlier writing, but the precise metaphor cannot be proved. The often-repeated naval-flogging story lacks supporting evidence, and resuscitating a drowning victim over a barrel does not fit the powerlessness sense as closely.

Variants

  • have someone over a barrel
  • get someone over a barrel
  • hold someone over a barrel

Usage Examples

  • With the only spare key in his pocket, the caretaker had us over a barrel.
  • The sudden deadline put the small supplier over a barrel during negotiations.

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