Have your hands tied Meaning in English
expression
HAV yor HANDZ TYD
HAV yaw HANDZ TYD
Definition
To be unable to do anything to help or change a situation, usually because of rules or restrictions.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when explaining why you can't help or take action. Common in both work and daily life. Not literal—do not use for actual physical restraint.
Spanish: tener las manos atadasPortuguese (BR): estar de mãos atadasPortuguese (PT): ter as mãos atadasChinese (Simplified): 束手无策 - 受限制Chinese (Traditional): 束手無策 - 受限制Hindi: मजबूर होनाArabic: تكون يدك مقيدةBengali: কিছু করার উপায় নেই - বাধ্যRussian: руки связаныJapanese: 手が縛られているVietnamese: bó tay - bị trói tayKorean: 손이 묶이다 - 어쩔 수 없다Turkish: elini kolunu bağlamak - eli kolu bağlı olmakUrdu: ہاتھ بندھے ہوناIndonesian: tidak bisa berbuat apa-apa - tangan terikat
Example Sentences
I want to help, but I have my hands tied.
basic
The teacher has her hands tied and can't change the rule.
basic
Sorry, I have my hands tied because of company policy.
basic
I'd love to give you a discount, but my manager has his hands tied.
natural
Management really has their hands tied with all these new regulations.
natural
Believe me, if I didn't have my hands tied, I'd fix this right away.
natural