[Idiom] MY HANDS ARE TIED. - Learning Expressions: Mastering the Art of Saying You Can't Help
My hands are tied.
unable to act freely
The idiom 'My hands are tied' paints an expressive picture of constraint. It signals a lack of freedom to act due to rules, regulations, or other circumstances beyond control, similar to how literal bindings on one's hands would restrict movement. Typically, this expression is used in professional or personal situations where someone feels hindered by obligations or limitations. For instance, if your manager asks you to approve a budget that strictly exceeds set limits, you might reply, 'I’d love to help, but my hands are tied by the budgeting policy.'
Example Sentences
I wish I could help, but my hands are tied.
I want to help, but I am unable due to restrictions.
She apologized, saying her hands are tied by company policy.
She apologized, explaining she is limited by company policy.
His hands are tied due to contractual obligations.
He is constrained by contractual obligations.