have someone over a barrel
US /hæv ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈoʊ.vər ə ˈbær.əl/
UK /hæv ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈoʊ.vər ə ˈbær.əl/
1.
讓某人束手無策, 迫使某人做某事
to have someone in a position where they are forced to do what you want, often because you have an advantage over them
:
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The company knew I needed the job, so they really had me over a barrel with the low salary offer.
公司知道我需要這份工作，所以他們用低工資把我逼到了絕境。
•
If you owe someone money, they might have you over a barrel.
如果你欠別人錢，他們可能會讓你束手無策。