put someone in a straitjacket
verb phrase · Idiom / expression C2
Plain meaning
to restrict someone so much that they cannot act freely
Exam-register meaning
to impose rigid constraints that prevent flexibility, creativity, or autonomy
In context
naturalToo many rules put teachers in a straitjacket.
examAn excessively standardised curriculum can put educators in a straitjacket.
Common collocations
put someone in a straitjacketregulatory straitjacketbureaucratic straitjacket
Watch out
This is metaphorical; do not use it for ordinary rules unless the restriction is severe.
Word family
straitjacket (noun/verb)