bound hand and foot

Idioms and Phrases

Wholly obligated, unable to free oneself. For example, These rules have us bound hand and foot; we can't even discuss the matter . This term transfers the literal meaning, having one's hands and feet tied and therefore unable to move, to legal, moral, or social obligations. The expression dates from the 10th century a.d.

Example Sentences

The time's all too short, and I'm bound hand-and-foot here, and can do nought.

From Project Gutenberg