The idiom "hands are tied" means that someone is unable to take action or do something because of circumstances beyond their control. It is often used to describe a situation where someone wants to help or make a change, but they are prevented from doing so because of external factors.
For example, if a teacher wants to give a student a higher grade but the school's grading policy doesn't allow it, the teacher might say "my hands are tied" to explain why they can't make the change. Similarly, if a manager wants to give an employee a raise but the company's budget doesn't allow it, they might say "my hands are tied" to explain why they can't give the raise.
The idiom can also be used to describe situations where someone is being prevented from taking action by someone else. For example, if a police officer wants to arrest someone but their superior tells them not to, the officer might say "my hands are tied" to explain why they can't make the arrest.
Overall, "hands are tied" is a way of expressing frustration or helplessness in a situation where someone wants to take action but is unable to do so because of external factors.
• The CEO's hands were tied when it came to making the final decision on the merger, as he had to consider the interests of various stakeholders.
• The police officer's hands are tied by the law, he cannot release the suspect without proper evidence.
• The government's hands were tied when it came to enforcing the new trade policies, as they had to face strong opposition from various industries.
• The manager's hands were tied as he had to lay off some employees due to the company's financial crisis.
• I'm sorry, I can't give you a discount on this product, my hands are tied by company policy.
• My hands are tied, I cannot help you move the couch.