get/ have somebody over a barrel
US /ɡet/hæv ˌsʌmbədi ˌoʊvər ə ˈbærəl/
UK /ɡet/hæv ˌsʌmbədi ˌoʊvər ə ˈbærəl/
1.
jemanden in die Klemme bringen, jemanden zwingen
to put someone in a very difficult position from which they cannot escape without suffering, especially so that you can make them do what you want
:
•
The company had us over a barrel because we needed the contract so badly.
Die Firma hatte uns in der Klemme, weil wir den Vertrag so dringend brauchten.
•
He tried to get me over a barrel by threatening to expose my secret.
Er versuchte, mich in die Klemme zu bringen, indem er drohte, mein Geheimnis zu enthüllen.