have your hands tied

Meaning

1. to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc.

   I really wish I could help but my hands are tied.

From the same entry

• all hands on deck
• at hand
• at the hands of
• be good with your hands
• bind hand and foot
• by hand
• fall into hands hands of
• first hand
• get your hands dirty
• hand in glove
• hand in hand