have someone over a barrel
US /hæv ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈoʊ.vər ə ˈbær.əl/
UK /hæv ˈsʌm.wʌn ˈoʊ.vər ə ˈbær.əl/
1.
让某人束手无策, 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.
公司知道我需要这份工作，所以他们用低工资把我逼到了绝境。
•
If you owe someone money, they might have you over a barrel.
如果你欠别人钱，他们可能会让你束手无策。