binding hand and foot; shackling
Literal physical restraint, often with ropes or chains. Less common than the figurative and sleep-paralysis senses.
They bound the captured enemy hand and foot.
sleep paralysis; temporary paralysis
Commonly refers to the sensation of being unable to move while falling asleep or waking up. Also used figuratively for any temporary feeling of being frozen or paralyzed.
I experienced sleep paralysis in the middle of the night and couldn't move my body.
I stood frozen as if paralyzed by fear.
being tied down with money; financial shackles
Colloquial expression; implies that money or financial obligations restrict one's freedom.
I'm tied down by debt and can't move freely.
I had sleep paralysis last night and it was scary.
I suddenly froze up with sleep paralysis and couldn't make a sound.
After a while the paralysis lifted and I could move again.
Debt ties people down financially.