over a barrel

Prepositional phrase

 * 1)  In a disadvantageous or helpless situation, especially one in which one may be controlled or victimized.

Synonyms

 * See also have someone by the short hairs § Synonyms
 * See also have someone by the short hairs § Synonyms

Translations

 * Dutch:, in de knel
 * Italian: spalle al muro
 * Russian: заста́ть кого́-ли́бо враспло́х
 * Spanish: contra la pared