When you are unable to carry out any meaningful action because of regulations, rules or other people with authority.
Hands are tied
To learn the basics of a profession, a specific task or activity.
To learn the ropes
This phrase comes from sports, like basketball for example when a player is trying to shoot from a long distance. It means something unlikely to happen. With very little chance of success.
A long shot
This expression means to start something again from the beginning because it’s not working as you would have liked or expected.
Back to the drawing board
To control enough quantity of a product or service that enables one to then change the market price willingly. It can also mean to be the only one making or providing a given product or service.
To corner the market
When things are highly uncertain when a decision has not been made yet.
Up in the air
The process of learning, usually from trial and error. We often say that there can be "a steep ________", which means that one has to learn things quickly to meet the requirements of a specific job.
A learning curve
The expression refers to someone who fights to the very end, who never gives up until it’s completely over and there is no possibility of victory.
To go down swinging
To do things strictly by the rules.
By the book
to work your way up, the progression of roles at work over time
Climbing the corporate ladder
thinking in a creative and nonconventional way, usually as a way to solve a problem
Think outside the box
being put in a new or challenging situation without being prepared
Thrown in the deep end
