What Does It Mean "A Person Has You Over A Barrel"?

Question

What does that expression mean to have someone over a barrel?

Answer 1

If someone has you over a barrel, it means that you are powerless to resist them.

For instance, if somebody has something "on you" and can more-or-less force you to cooperate with them by threat of divulging your secret.

Answer 2

Over a barrel means:  Helpless, in someone's power.

This is an American phrase and first appeared in the mid-20th century. It is supposed that it alludes to the actual situation of being draped over a barrel, either to empty the lungs of someone who has been close to drowning, or to give a flogging. Either way, the position of helplessness and in being under someone else's control is what is being referred to.



The first reference to the phrase used with that meaning that I can find is rather later than might be expected - 1938.