With one hand...

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Madhulk  #547478  Mon, 28 Jul 08 04:25 PM
You know what's the biggest obstacle in my job?

It's not the perps, it's the bureaucracy. How am I supposed to fight crime
with one hand tied behind my back? Usually the expression means easily?

But that's not the case here, is it? It means when they get in his way, right? 

  
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Clive  #547482  Mon, 28 Jul 08 04:29 PM
Hi,

You know what's the biggest obstacle in my job?

It's not the perps, it's the bureaucracy. How am I supposed to fight crime
with one hand tied behind my back? Usually the expression means easily?

But that's not the case here, is it? It means when they get in his way, right? 

No. If one of your hands is tied behind your back, it makes things harder to do.
eg play the violin, tie your shoes, fight crime.

He means that the bureaucracy seriously hampers his efforts.

Clive

  
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Madhulk  #547492  Mon, 28 Jul 08 04:38 PM
Thanks!
  
Delmobile  #547520  Mon, 28 Jul 08 05:56 PM
The meaning of "easy" comes from the same sense: "I can do that with one hand tied behind my back." Although the task has been rendered more difficult, it's still easily accomplished even with only one hand. 
  
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