We are scraping the bottom of the barrel for new ideas.
scrape the bottom of the barrel
idiomTo settle for a poor option due to a lack or unavailability of anything more favorable.
Origin
disputed originDerived from the historical practice in the early European history of storing food in barrels; when food supplies ran low, only what was on the very bottom of the barrel remained, and had to be removed by scraping. Oil in a barrel has different fractions with a different weight. The heavier fractions like asphaltum sink to the bottom of the barrel and can be difficult to scrape from the bottom.
After all the good candidates were hired, the company had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to fill the remaining positions.
Faced with a dwindling supply of resources, the explorers realized they were scraping the bottom of the barrel and would soon need to find a new way to survive.
- 01
barrel of laughs
A great amount of enjoyment or entertainment, or something or someone that provides this.
- 02
barrel of monkeys
Someone or something very amusing or funny, fun, mischievous, etc.
- 03
bet one's bottom dollar
To be absolutely sure of something; to be certain enough of something to wager everything.
- 04
bottom dollar
The last of one's money; all of one's money.
- 05
bottom fishing
Buying, or seeking opportunities to buy, investment securities or other valuable properties at a time when markets are depressed and prices are low.
- 06
bottom line
The summary or result; the most important information.
- 07
bottom of the line
The worst or lowest quality on the market, especially among a range of products.
- 08
bottom of the ninth
By extension, any last chance or final opportunity.