tie (one) hand and foot

tie (one) hand and foot

1. Literally, to tie someone's hands and feet together. In the movie, the villain tied all the security guards hand and foot so that they couldn't sound the alarm.2. By extension, to cause someone to feel trapped in a daunting situation. Yes, I have a degree now, but this institution has tied me hand and foot to debt that I won't be able to pay off for years.See also: and, foot, hand, tie

bind/tie somebody hand and ˈfoot

remove or restrict somebody’s freedom of action or movement: Staying at home to look after a sick parent often means that a person is tied hand and foot.I can do nothing to help you because I’m bound hand and foot by my present contract.See also: and, bind, foot, hand, somebody, tie