Scraping the barrel
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
Using the last or worst options, down to dregs.
Origin
From 20th-century Britain, tied to WWII; 'barrel's bottom' meant last rations, slang by 1940s for low. A 1942 'Times' uses it for weak recruits.
Usage Examples
- We're scraping the barrel with these hires.
- Scraping the barrel; only stale bread left.
- He's scraping the barrel for excuses now.