Definition

Noun: 1. A large, indefinite quantity or amount: Used to describe a very large volume or number of something, often in a hyperbolic or informal sense. This usage originates from the concept of measuring liquids or bulk goods in barrels as a unit of volume.

Usage

The word "barrels" in this sense is typically used as a plural noun to emphasize a great abundance of something. It often appears in informal or figurative contexts to describe non-physical quantities like energy, fun, or money.

Examples

• The new startup has barrels of investor cash to spend on marketing.
• Even after the long hike, the children still had barrels of energy.
• He claims to have barrels of new ideas for the project.

Advanced Usage

• "Barrels of [something]": This is the standard idiomatic construction. The word following "of" is typically an uncountable noun (e.g., cash, fun, laughter) or a plural noun for a mass concept (e.g., ideas).
  • Example: We had barrels of fun at the beach party.

Variants and Related Words

• Barrel (noun): A large cylindrical container, usually made of wood or metal, used for storing liquids or other goods. Also a unit of measure, especially for oil (approximately 159 liters or 42 US gallons).
  • Example: They ordered a barrel of wine for the festival.
• Barrel (verb): To move or travel at high speed, often in an uncontrolled or headlong manner.
  • Example: The truck barreled down the hill.

Synonyms

• A great deal of: A large amount.
• Loads of: (Informal) A lot of.
• Tons of: (Informal) A very large amount.
• An abundance of: A very large quantity of something.

Related Idioms

• "Over a barrel": In a difficult situation where one is forced to agree to something.
  • Example: With the deadline tomorrow, they have us over a barrel.
• "Scrape the bottom of the barrel": To use the last and poorest resources available because nothing better is left.
  • Example: Hiring him shows they're really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Noun

1. the amount that many barrels might hold