have one’s hands tied behind one’s back —(also: have one’s hands tied) be prevented from doing smth.; be restricted in one’s freedom to act:
- The only reason it took a year was I had my hands tied behind my back because we had signed a contract.
with both hands tied behind one’s back—(also: with one hand tied behind one’s back)
1. do smth. very easily or without effort:
- Jos is a phenomenal driver who could beat me on any track with both hands tied behind his back.
2. = have one’s hands tied behind one’s back:
- They don’t know the rules of evidence. They expect lawyers to defend lawsuits with both hands tied behind their back and for discount fees.