hands are tied

someone's hands are tied

if someone's hands are tied, they are not free to behave in the way that they would like. I'd like to raise people's salaries but my hands are tied.

See also: hand, tie

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your hands are tied

you are not free to act. Some of my students are failing, but my hands are tied by their parents, who can't admit their kids need extra help.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form something has tied someone's hands: The new rules have tied his hands.

See also: hand, tie