Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
scrape-the-bottom-of-the-barrel
idiom
/skreɪp ðə ˈbɒtəm əv ðə ˈbærə/
Definition
To use the last of a supply, often with a sense of desperation or inferior quality.
Examples
- After the budget cuts, the company had to scrape the bottom of the barrel for new talent.
- When I finished the project, I had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find any remaining resources.
- They are scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of funding for this year’s event.
Meaning
This phrase implies that one is using the least desirable options available because all better choices have been exhausted.
Synonyms
- Use up the last reserves
- Make do with what’s left
- Resort to inferior options
