dead hand of the past vs dead hand

dead hand of the past and dead hand both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
dead hand of the past	Yes	No	No	No
dead hand	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, dead hand of the past and dead hand are synonyms defined as:

dead hand of the past and dead hand: the oppressive influence of past events or decisions

Other synonyms of dead hand of the past include mortmain.

dead hand of the past (noun)	dead hand (noun)
the oppressive influence of past events or decisions	the oppressive influence of past events or decisions
	real property held inalienably (as by an ecclesiastical corporation)