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

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 asked Mr Sunghay if he had evidence to back claims that some bodies had been found with their hands tied.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2024

People feel they have to farm with their hands tied behind their back.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

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