I want to help you, but your hands are tied by the contract
She'd love to promote him, but her hands are tied by company policy
The manager wishes he could give everyone a raise, but his hands are tied by budget constraints
We'd like to accept your proposal, but our hands are tied at the moment
He's frustrated because his hands are tied; he can't make any decisions
The judge wants to be lenient, but his hands are tied by the law
She feels like her hands are tied when it comes to changing the system
The government's hands are tied regarding immediate aid for the disaster
I can't tell you anything more, my hands are tied
He tried to intervene, but his hands were tied by his supervisor
I cannot help you with this issue right now.
Why not? It seems simple enough.
My hands are tied due to company policy.
I want to help, but your hands are tied
I cannot intervene despite wanting to
My ability to act is restricted