Handcuffs

Handcuffed, Cuffs, Shackles

Cold metal around your wrists takes away the simplest freedom, the use of your hands. A dream of handcuffs often turns up when you feel restricted by rules, a promise or someone else's control. The saying "my hands are tied" fits closely: there may be something you want to do but feel you can't. Being cuffed to another person suggests a relationship or partnership you can't easily leave. Holding the key to someone else's cuffs puts their release up to you.

Dream variations

• Being handcuffedYour options feel limited by a rule or an agreement. Take a second look at it; there may be more room than you assumed.
• Handcuffed to someoneYou're bound to a person by a shared duty or plan. Agree on how much space you each need.
• Slipping out of handcuffsYou've found the opening you needed. Use it honestly.
• Putting handcuffs on someoneYou're tempted to stop someone before they cause trouble. Say what worries you instead of trying to control them.

Related symbols

Police · Prison · Freedom · Being trapped

Dream interpretations are for entertainment.