The first answer has almost nothing to do with the original passage, the next 2 are just copies of the passage, the last answer deals with the passage yet also adds additional information making it the best paraphrase.
It is an idiom and it means that there is nothing that the person can do about the situation because of some outside force ( like a rule or law).
Emily is a saxophonist, gifted, possibly without equal, very sought after because her skill at it is that of a master.
Hope this helps.
The way they used to act and the trust there was between family back then
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