dead hand

American  

noun

Law.

1. mortmain.

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dead hand British  

noun

1. an oppressive or discouraging influence or factor

   the dead hand of centralized control

2. law a less common word for mortmain

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Example Sentences

She concluded: "It's uneven, disjointed, the plot makes no real sense - and the dead hand of corporate America weighs heavily upon it."

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2023

The study group report said Russia has not said whether the upgrade of its nuclear command and control system will result in canceling the dead hand system.

From Washington Times • May 29, 2023

It is far better to show interest and creativity from day one than to let yourself be trapped under the dead hand of corporatism.

From Forbes • Feb. 24, 2014

Sometimes you do feel the dead hand of Microsoft's marketing department on your shoulder, and never more so than when you use the camera.

From The Guardian • Oct. 24, 2010

“Come,” La Llorona said, rubbing my arm with her cold, dead hand.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall