Iron cage

An iron cage is a metaphor used to describe rules, regulations, and structures that can limit our freedom and make it difficult for us to exercise our choices. Think of it like a giant steel cage that is locked so that you can't move around freely inside. It's like having a lot of rules that you have to follow, or a lot of restrictions on what you can and cannot do, like not being able to wear shorts in school or not being able to stay out late. The iron cage limits our freedom and keeps us trapped in the same place.