What Does “My Hands Are Tied” Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句) -N0.575-

What Does “My Hands Are Tied” Mean?（よく使う英語慣用表現）

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to help or do something, but couldn’t because of rules or limitations? In English, we often say “my hands are tied.”

1. What Does “My Hands Are Tied” Mean?

“My hands are tied” means you are unable to act or make a decision because of restrictions, rules, or circumstances.

2. When to Use It

Use this idiom when you want to do something but are prevented from doing so due to factors beyond your control.

Example:
A: Can you give me a discount on this?
B: I’d like to help, but my hands are tied.

3. 日本語の同じような表現

日本語では、「どうすることもできない」「手出しできない」「制約があって動けない」といった表現が近いです。
自分の意思ではどうにもならない状況を表します。

Conclusion

When you cannot take action because of rules or limitations, you can say “my hands are tied.” It’s a useful phrase for explaining situations where you have no control.

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