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.
On Wednesday, Ben Gvir sparked an outcry internationally but also within his own government by publishing a video of dozens of activists kneeling with their foreheads on the ground and their hands tied.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
“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
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
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
