dead hand of the past

• Expressão metafórica que designa a influência ou o controle contínuo de tradições, leis ou decisões do passado que impedem o progresso ou as mudanças no 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 Outdated influenceC1formal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.

   Mão morta do passado

   • The dead hand of the past still controls many of our outdated regulations.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