Shooting fish in a barrel

Shooting fish in a barrel is an idiom, describing an effortless or simple action, with guaranteed success.

The Mythbusters team tested and proved the accuracy of their interpretation of the idiom. If the fish does not die from the shot, it is quite likely to die from the shockwave.

Before the days of refrigeration, fish were packed and stored in small barrels. The barrels were packed to the rim full of fish. Any shot that entered the barrel would hit at least one of them. Thus nothing can be easier than shooting fish in a barrel.

See also

• Turkey shoot