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

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

“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

I have no idea what the judges said or did after the meeting, but over the next few months, Badenhorst seemed to have his hands tied.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela