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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Compare phrases for an unappealing choice, a final option, and accepting what is available without demeaning people.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “scrape the bottom of the barrel” or “hit the bottom of the barrel” is to face the least desirable choices after better ones are gone. A “last resort” is an action saved for when other options are unavailable or fail. To “settle for” something is to accept it, often because it is not ideal. These expressions overlap, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Cultural note: “Scraping the bottom of the barrel” is strongly negative. Avoid using it to describe people, job candidates, students, or communities; it can sound demeaning. “Last resort” emphasizes sequence—an option used only after others—while “settle for” emphasizes accepting less than one hoped for.
Keep exploringWhen choices are limited, the phrase you choose can criticize the options—or simply explain the decision.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize a strongly negative metaphor for low-quality remaining options.
Meaning
Use the least desirable options because better ones have run out.
Tone & use
Strongly negative and dismissive. Apply it to options or supplies, not to people.
Example
“With the popular venues booked, we were worried that we were scraping the bottom of the barrel for locations.”
Meaning
The least desirable part of what remains.
Tone & use
Often used critically about a set of options; avoid labeling people this way.
Example
“The final two designs were not our favorites, but they were not the bottom of the barrel either.”
Describe what someone does only when other options fail.
Meaning
An action or option used only when nothing else is available or works.
Tone & use
Common in formal and informal speech. It implies that other approaches should be tried first.
Example
“Calling an emergency repair service after hours was our last resort.”
Say that a choice is acceptable without pretending it is ideal.
Meaning
Accept something that is less desirable than what you wanted or expected.
Tone & use
Often neutral or mildly disappointed; it does not necessarily mean the choice is bad.
Example
“The direct train was full, so we settled for a later departure with one connection.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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