hands tied
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
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
A video shared on social media showed Mr Cohen being escorted from the building by police with his hands tied behind his back.
From BBC • May 15, 2025
That will probably leave his successor with her hands tied for much of her six-year term.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2024
It was an expedition like that of an army without weapons against an impregnable fortress, an army which at the same time had its hands tied behind its back.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
