dead hand of the past

• Metaphorischer Ausdruck für den fortdauernden Einfluss oder die Kontrolle vergangener Traditionen, Gesetze oder Entscheidungen, die Fortschritt oder Veränderungen in der Gegenwart behindern.

A metaphorical expression referring to the continuing influence or control of past traditions, laws, or decisions that hinder progress or change in the present.

1. Outdated influenceC1formal

   The continuing and often negative influence of past traditions, laws, or practices that hinder progress or change.

   Toter Griff der Vergangenheit

   • The dead hand of the past still controls many of our outdated regulations.
   • Economic growth is often stifled by the dead hand of the past.
   • The country struggles to modernize under the dead hand of the past.