velvet glove

Noun

Meaning

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.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Antonyms

barbary barbarism localism Barbary Coast sloppiness thuggery
Show all antonyms

Examples

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

Close letter words and terms

velvet duck velvet fan lobster velvet flower velvet grass velvet handcuffs velvet hippo