Talk Like a Native Episode 14 - Hands are tied Kevin: Hey Christine, do you think I could get a raise? Christine: I can’t. My hands are tied. Kevin: What? Your hands look fine to me. If you didn’t want to give me a raise, you could just tell me. You don’t have to make up an obvious lie. Christine: It’s not that I don’t want to raise your salary, it’s that we don’t have enough money in the budget to do it. When I say my hands are tied, I mean that there is nothing I can do about it. Kevin: Oh, I thought you were just trying to make up an excuse. Christine: I’m really sorry. I promise that when we start to earn more money, I will give you a raise. Kevin: It’s ok, I understand. Let’s hear some more examples of this phrase! - Although the president promised to spend more on healthcare, he now claims his hands are tied due to budgetary restrictions. - I would really like to help you refund this product but my hands are tied. If you do not have your receipt, we cannot process th...