Р-316

РУКИ КОРОТКИ (КОРОТКИ) (у кого) coll VP subj. with быть0 (pres only), оказаться (past only) often used with the infin of another verb fixed WO

s.o. does not have the right, authority, or influence to do sth. (used-often as a response in a dialogue-to state that the person or organization threatening to harm the speaker or another person will not be able to carry out the threat): (y X-a) руки коротки (сделать Y) - X's reach is (too) short

X's arm isn't long enough X doesn't have the power (X is powerless) (to do Y) (in limited contexts) (just) let X try (to do Y)

(when used in direct address) руки (у тебя (у вас)) коротки! = just try it!

just you try!

«Вы знаете, что он помогает бургомистру упечь вас под суд?» - «Догадываюсь». - «Это вас не волнует?» - «Нет. Руки у них коротки. То есть, у бургомистра руки коротки, и у суда» (Стругацкие 1). "You know that he's helping the burgomaster haul you into court?" "I guessed as much." "That doesn't bother you?" "No. His reach is short. That is to say, the burgomaster's Also the court's" (1a).

В мрачном взгляде Баулина Саша почувствовал предостережение. Но этот взгляд только подхлестнул его. От чего предостерегает? Снова исключат? Руки коротки! (Рыбаков 2). Baulin's sullen look was a signal to Sasha not to go too far. Instead, it only spurred him on. What was Baulin warning him about? Were they going to expel him again7 Let them try! (2a).