force (one's) hand

To push one to do something that one is not inclined to do otherwise. (The phrase alludes to a hand of playing cards.) Dave still hasn't decided where he wants to go to dinner, so I'm going to force his hand—I need to make reservations as soon as possible! I was hoping to play golf today, but the storm forced my hand, so I stayed home instead. The president is trying to force Congress's hand by threatening a veto.

force somebody’s ˈhand

force somebody to do something differently or sooner than planned: By applying pressure to get the law changed, the opposition party wants to force the government’s hand.

force somebody's hand

force (one's) hand

force somebody’s ˈhand