over a barrel

介词短语
中文释义

英文释义

介词短语
  1. In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, especially one in which one may be controlled or victimized. idiomatic
    — Ford had the U.A.W. over a barrel; if it failed to sign by midnight, the U.A.W. would be forced to give up its union shop.

词源

According to The Oxford English Dictionary and The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms, the phrase possibly refers to the act of placing an individual who has been rescued from drowning over a barrel to allow their lungs to clear of water.
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