hands tied
Powerless to intervene
To have one's hands tied is to be prevented from acting, usually by rules, obligations, or circumstances beyond one's control.
The image is of someone physically restrained—unable to help even if willing: I'd love to give you an extension, but my hands are tied.
Often appears as an excuse or explanation for inaction.
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- helplessnessLacking ability to cope
- no choiceLack of alternatives
- restrictionLimit on action
- incapacityLack of ability
bound and gagged · dependency · barrier · disempowerment · vulnerability · limitation · subjugation · resignation · workaround · hamstrung · caught up · confinement · impasse · shackled · red tape · resourcefulness · adaptation · prohibition
hands tiedfree rein
Unrestricted freedom to act
carte blanche · free hand · free to choose · at liberty · unrestrained
hands tiedempowered
Given power to act
in control · in the driver's seat · calling the shots · holding the reins · authorized
hand, hands, handed, handing, handy, handily, handiness, handle, handling