手ても足あしも出でない

expression

completely helpless; unable to do anything; at one's wit's end

Idiomatic expression meaning one is utterly powerless or unable to act, often against a superior opponent or overwhelming situation. Literally 'neither hands nor feet can come out'.

• 相あい手てが強つよすぎて、手ても足あしも出でなかった。

  The opponent was so strong that I couldn't do a thing.

• 難なん問もんに手ても足あしも出でない。

  I'm completely stumped by the difficult problem.