Noun
velvet glove (usually uncountable, plural velvet gloves)
Superficial gentleness and courtesy masking a strong and unyielding will or determination.
If you will stab your opponent in the back, it must be with a velvet glove on your hand and the sweetest smile on your face.
Responsible for wrapping the iron fist of authority in its velvet glove is Jane Axtell, head of the accountancy firm's Human Resources department. Alain de Botton
Iron hand in a velvet glove. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
Diplomacy is the velvet glove that cloaks the fist of power. Robin Hobb
I slowly strangle my enemies with a velvet glove. Pietro Badoglio
“He does it with a velvet glove. Source: Internet
She was an amazing boss – a real iron fist in a velvet glove – and demanded excellence from all her staff. Source: Internet