When we say “my hands are tied“, we mean that we’re in a situation where we can’t do anything, usually because of rules or because someone else has the power to decide. It’s like saying “I can’t do anything about it” or “I don’t have control over this situation”.
Here are two examples in sentences:
Example 1:
The teacher told the student, “I wish I could let you retake the test, but my hands are tied. The school policy doesn’t allow it.”
Example 2:
Sarah was frustrated that she couldn’t help her friend with the application, but the company’s rules were clear, and she admitted, “My hands are tied.”
Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:
Example 3:
Mike: Can’t you extend the submission deadline for the project?
Emma: I’m sorry, Mike, but my hands are tied. The due date is set by the university.
Example 4:
Lisa: Sarah, why didn’t you defend me in the meeting?
Sarah: Lisa, I wanted to, but my hands were tied. The decision was up to the manager.
So, when you say, “my hands are tied,” you’re expressing that you can’t do anything to change a situation or decision. It’s a way of showing that you don’t have the power to affect the outcome even if you want to.
