English Dictionary

Definition of “velvet glove”

velvet glove

. gentleness or caution, often concealing strength or determination (esp in the phrase an iron fist or hand in a velvet glove)

Asked how he would reduce France's high crime rate, Mr Le Pen promised "an iron fist in a velvet glove ".

Irish Times (2002)

But small and medium businesses (SMEs) were warned of the iron fist in a velvet glove when it came to compliance.

Courier, Sunday Mail (2004)

Good God, if the velvet glove comes off, laddie, no one will ever risk anything like it again, will they?

Kippax, Frank The Scar

In short, throw away the velvet glove and display the iron fist, if there is one.

India Today (1998)

In the past, the IRA acted as the iron fist in Sinn Fein's velvet glove.

Sun, News of the World (2001)

Irvine's milder proposals yesterday were being described in Whitehall as an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Times, Sunday Times (2002)

Or, as Lady Mountbatten has said, `the iron fist in the velvet glove '.

Brian Hoey HER MAJESTY: 50 Regal Years (2001)

Autosexuality

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)
Magot-pie

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)
Precog

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)
Cornhole

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)
Cornhole

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)
DOJ

Suggested by Daved Wachsman (24 May 2013)

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