over a barrel

== English == === Etymology === 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. === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === over a barrel (idiomatic) In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, especially one in which one may be controlled or victimized. ==== Synonyms ==== up a tree, up the creek See also have someone by the short hairs § Synonyms ==== Translations ==== === References === “over a barrel”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present. “over a barrel”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.