The phrase "like shooting fish in a barrel" is spelled phonetically as /laɪk ˈʃuːtɪŋ fɪʃ ɪn ə ˈbærəl/. The "i" in "like" is pronounced as the long "i" sound, while the "ou" in "shooting" is pronounced as the "oo" sound. The "sh" and "th" sounds are represented by digraphs. The "a" in "a" and "barrel" is pronounced as the short "a" sound. The phrase means that something is very easy to do and is said to have originated in the US in the late 1800s.
"Like shooting fish in a barrel" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of extreme simplicity or ease in accomplishing a task, often implying that the task is almost effortless due to the lack of challenge or resistance involved. This phrase is mostly used in informal contexts, such as conversations or informal writings.
The idiom finds its origin in the concept of shooting fish that are confined within a small space, like a barrel, making the task of shooting them considerably easier. As fish cannot swim away and are unable to defend themselves, the action of shooting them becomes a relatively simple and straightforward process, requiring little precision or effort.
When someone uses the phrase "like shooting fish in a barrel," they are suggesting that a specific task or objective is similarly effortless and devoid of obstacles or complications. It implies that the task can be accomplished with minimal skill or exertion, as it lacks any real challenge or difficulty.
This expression is commonly employed when discussing situations where one party has a significant advantage over another, making the outcome appear nearly guaranteed or predictable. It emphasizes the one-sided nature of a task or endeavor, portraying it as so straightforward that it becomes almost unfair, leaving the opposition without any real chance of success.