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
“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
However, Pemex’s ongoing economic difficulties mean the Sheinbaum administration has its hands tied over servicing the colossal debt.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 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
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