dead hand of the past

• Expresión metafórica que designa la influencia o el control persistente de tradiciones, leyes o decisiones del pasado que obstaculizan el progreso o el cambio en el presente.

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 Outdated influenceC1formal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.

   mano muerta del pasado

   • The dead hand of the past still controls many of our outdated regulations.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.