scrape the bottom of the barrel — To use the worst or lowest-quality option available because nothing better remains; to resort to the least desirable choice out of desperation.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To use the worst or lowest-quality option available because nothing better remains; to resort to the least desirable choice out of desperation.
Pronunciation (IPA): /skreɪp ðə ˈbɑːtəm əv ðə ˈbærəl/
Example Sentences
- The dating app matched me with my ex's cousin. I think they're scraping the bottom of the barrel now.
- When the company couldn't afford good actors, they had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and hire the director's nephew.
- Some of these job applicants really make you feel like you're scraping the bottom of the barrel.
scrape the bottom of the barrel
VERB[/skreɪp ðə ˈbɑːtəm əv ðə ˈbærəl/]
To use the worst or lowest-quality option available because nothing better remains; to resort to the least desirable choice out of desperation.
The coach had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and start the injured backup goalie.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originated from wine and beer barrels, where the best liquid rises to the top and sediment sinks to the bottom; when all the good stuff is gone, one must scrape the barrel's bottom to get anything at all.
Breakdown
scrape (to remove by dragging something across a surface) + bottom (lowest part) + barrel (wooden cask for storing liquid)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dating app matched me with my ex's cousin. I think they're scraping the bottom of the barrel now.”
“When the company couldn't afford good actors, they had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and hire the director's nephew.”
“Some of these job applicants really make you feel like you're scraping the bottom of the barrel.”
“We've watched every good movie on Netflix, so now we're scraping the bottom of the barrel with these terrible B-movies.”
📚Related Words
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