hands are tied

Idioms  

1. see tie one's hands.

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Example Sentences

Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, said she understands CARB’s hands were tied when it comes to the funding, but she thinks the change in focus doesn’t make economic sense.

From Los Angeles Times

The government's "hands are tied when it comes to financially supporting nuclear power, unless it's willing to go back on one of the main selling points", Koppenborg says.

From BBC

Greco has since heard from judges across the state that they feel their hands are tied.

From Los Angeles Times

"None of the post people want this... we have provided an amazing service for years, now our hands are tied."

From BBC

Cornell University, acknowledged the problem of meritless litigation, but its hands were tied by the statutory language.

From The Wall Street Journal