with 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.

However methods often associated with witch trials, such throwing them into water with hands tied behind their back, were more common in England rather than Scotland.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

At the right of the trunk kneels the coachman, with hands tied behind his back, which is turned to the audience, head thrown backward so that a partial side view is had of the features.

From Home Pastimes; or Tableaux Vivants by Head, James H.

Eastman alone took the incident to heart; inquired how he was to accomplish anything with hands tied, and murmured his constant burden once more: "One is not appreciated, not appreciated."

From The Jimmyjohn Boss and Other Stories by Wister, Owen

We have been faithful and loyal to you; will you then see us dragged before you with ropes round our necks, and with hands tied behind our backs?

From The Life of a Celebrated Buccaneer A Page of Past History for the Use of the Children of To-day by Clynton, Richard

It was like being in a bustling crowd with hands tied and mouth gagged—and the sullen rage of a disappointed boyhood in my heart.

From The Seven-Branched Candlestick The Schooldays of Young American Jew by Gilbert W.