Meaning:
You are prevented from doing something. It is not within your power
Examples:
- But my hands are tied until I get a witness.
- It's procedural, but my hands are tied for a few days.
- Well, the department has rules and my hands are tied.
- Until you get me new evidence... my hands are tied.
- His hands are tied. He must have been a prisoner.
- Well, I can respect that, but my hands are tied.
- At a certain point, my hands are tied, Morty.
- My hands are tied if they come back to you again.
- I've got a gesture for you, but my hands are tied.
- I know how you feel, but my hands are tied.