get/ have somebody over a barrel

US /ɡet/hæv ˌsʌmbədi ˌoʊvər ə ˈbærəl/
UK /ɡet/hæv ˌsʌmbədi ˌoʊvər ə ˈbærəl/
"get/ have somebody over a barrel" picture
1.

tener a alguien contra la espada y la pared, obligar a alguien

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

:
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The company had us over a barrel because we needed the contract so badly.
La empresa nos tenía contra la espada y la pared porque necesitábamos mucho el contrato.
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He tried to get me over a barrel by threatening to expose my secret.
Intentó ponerme contra la pared amenazando con revelar mi secreto.
:
cornertrapforce someone's handhave someone at one's mercyput someone on the spot