scrape the bottom of the barrel
Accept inferior options
To scrape the bottom of the barrel is to use the worst or least desirable option because nothing better remains.
The image is of reaching into a nearly empty barrel for whatever dregs are left: We're really scraping the bottom of the barrel with these job candidates.
The phrase implies desperation or diminished standards.
- desperateDriven by urgent need
- dregsResidue at bottom
- last resortFinal available option
- poorLacking sufficient resources
- worst case scenarioMost unfavorable possible outcome
last ditch effort · make do · dire straits · flawed · slim pickings · scarcity · undesirable · inferior · leftovers · settling · end of the line · compromise · second best · shortage · extremity · dearth · substandard · grasping
scrape the bottom of the barrelcream of the crop
The very best
pick of the litter · best of the best · top-tier · crème de la crème · cherry-pick
scrape the bottom of the barrelspoiled for choice
Having too many options
embarrassment of riches · pick and choose · have one's pick · overflowing · bountiful