tie hands
tie (one's) hands
1. Literally, to bind one at the hands, typically with rope or something similar. Tie his hands so he can't escape!
2. By extension, to prevent one from behaving or acting in a certain way. I really wish I could help you get a refund, but the company's strict returns policy has tied my hands. If the government would stop tying our hands with these burdensome regulations, our economy would actually have a chance to flourish for once!
See also: hand, tie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
tie someone's hands
1. Lit. to use rope or string to tie someone's hands together. The robber tied my hands and I couldn't call the police.
2. Fig. to prevent someone from doing something. I'd like to help you, but my boss has tied my hands. Please don't tie my hands with unnecessary restrictions. I'd like the freedom to do whatever is necessary.
See also: hand, tie
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- tie (one's) hands
- tie one's hands
- tie somebody's hands
- only
- join hands
- have (one's) hands on (something)
- put (one's) hands up
- wash (one's) hands
- wash your hands
- out of your hands