hands are tied
idiom
—used to say that someone is unable to act freely because something (such as a rule or law) prevents it
I'd like to help you, but my hands are tied.
The judge says her hands are tied because the law requires a harsh sentence in such cases.
Examples of hands are tied in a Sentence
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To some degree, the district’s hands are tied.
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hands are tied.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hands%20are%20tied. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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