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hands tied

ADJECTIVE

defenseless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helpless unarmed unprotected

WEAK

caught endangered exposed in line of fire indefensible like a clay pigeon like a sitting duck naked on the line on-the-spot open out on limb pigeon poor unguarded up the creek weak wide open

Antonyms

WEAK

powerful strong

ADJECTIVE

unarmed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helpless powerless

STRONG

exposed open

WEAK

indefensible like a sitting duck naked unguarded unprotected unshielded vulnerable weaponless wide open

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able strong

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That complicates matters for the Fed, which might like to lower interest rates to help boost a slowing job market, but it could find its hands tied.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

So Anutin starts his premiership with his hands tied, and only four months to make an impact.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2025

“It’s that they had their hands tied behind their backs.”

From Salon • Aug. 26, 2025

And though they won that game, and freshened up their pitching staff by calling up Bobby Miller on Saturday for some extra length, Roberts had his hands tied as Gonsolin started to lose command.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2025

I have no idea what the judges said or did after the meeting, but over the next few months, Badenhorst seemed to have his hands tied.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

hands tied

Example Sentences

Related Words