"To force someone's hand" means to compel them to take action or make a decision sooner than they intended or would have preferred.
Here's how you can use it in a sentence, with examples:
Meaning: To pressure someone into doing something, often against their will or before they are ready.
Examples:
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General Usage: "The leak of the company's new product roadmap forced their hand, and they had to announce it earlier than planned."
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Strategic Context: "By lowering their prices so drastically, the competitor was trying to force our hand and make us cut our profit margins."
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Personal Situation: "She'd intended to postpone her decision about the job offer, but the rapidly approaching deadline forced her hand."
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Political Scenario: "The scandal forced the president's hand, and he had no choice but to fire the cabinet member."
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Negotiation Example: "The union threatened to strike, hoping to force the company's hand and secure better benefits."
Key takeaway: The phrase suggests a lack of control and being put in a position where one must act, regardless of their preference.
