Hands are tied 是你以为的那个意思吗？

A vote of confidence The manager's selection of the same players for this week's game was seen as a vote of confidence in them. If your boss has given you the job of organising a seminar for the first time, take it as a vote of confidence in your organisational skills. Sarah took the audience applause at the singing contest as a vote of confidence. Meaning: A vote of confidence is something that shows you're happy with the quality of something or pleased with someone or their work. Etymology: It refers to a reaction or a result giving you a step towards being confident. Politicians need votes to be elected, votes of confidence are needed in the same manner to make someone confident. Hands are tied The president says he'd like to spend more on schools in poor districts, but says his hands are tied by what he calls "budgetary restrictions". James really wanted to play in the football match on Saturday but his hand were tied because he promised his family he would spend time with them. Jill originally promised to give voice coaching to Becky, but her hands were tied when she got offered a job abroad. Meaning: You can say your hands are tied if you're prevented from doing something that you'd normally have the power or the authority to do. Etymology: If your hands are literally tied this stops you from being able to do many things. Red tape It took two weeks to get visas for our holiday because of all the red tape. James wanted to get his new company started within the month, but there were delays due to all the red tape. Bill was looking to get an extension on his house, but was not sure if all the red tape in getting permits would be a problem. Meaning: Strict adherence to rules and regulations so that a procedure seems to take longer than necessary. Etymology: Probably related to the fact that bundles of official government documents are often tied together with red tape.