single-handed—perform smth. alone or unaided:
- Most of the work was done single-handed with some help from interested local residents and a few friends.
Note: The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the phrase with both hands—
1. with all one’s might; with overwhelming enthusiasm:
- The government seized the opportunity with both hands. In the ensuing decade, it built countless office blocks and hotels.
2. (in the phrase “grab one’s life with both hands”) take control of one’s life instead of just letting things happen:
- I want to grab my life with both hands and shake it up a little. To be confident and unafraid to try new things.
with one hand tied behind one’s back—(also: with both hands tied behind one’s back)
1. do smth. very easily or without effort:
- I could do it with one hand tied behind my back, but they wouldn’t give the research to a youngster.
2. being prevented from doing smth. or restricted in one’s freedom to act:
- They want you and me to participate in this debate about fundamental freedoms with one hand tied behind our back.