Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-scrape-the-barrel
idiom
/tuː skreɪp ðə ˈbærəl/
Definition
To make do with what is left after everything of higher quality has been taken or used up.
Examples
- After losing several employees, the company had to scrape the barrel to fill the positions.
- The team had to scrape the barrel for players after injuries depleted their roster.
Meaning
This phrase indicates using the least desirable or lowest quality option available, often due to a lack of better choices.
Synonyms
- make do with less
- settle for second best
- use what is available
