noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
restraint; restriction; control; check
Formal, somewhat literary term for holding someone back or keeping something in check. Often used in political, organizational, or abstract contexts. The literal image is of pulling someone's elbow to restrain them.
官僚の掣肘がなければ、改革はもっと早く進むだろう。
Without bureaucratic restraint, the reforms would probably proceed more quickly.
彼は部下の行動を掣肘しようとしたが、うまくいかなかった。
He tried to check his subordinates' actions, but it didn't go well.