1
general::
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.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): bound hand and foot
with hands and feet tied up. • The robbers left us bound hand and foot. • We remained bound hand and foot until the police found us and untied us.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs