velvet glove

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We’ve got to a point where we can no longer be able to afford the velvet glove diplomacy.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2023

After leading with McBride’s iron fist, a union insider said, the group intends to follow up with the velvet glove of more moderate board members.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2020

The haleem, a silky stew of chicken, lentils and grains, is a punch of Pakistani spice delivered with a velvet glove.

From Washington Post • Apr. 25, 2017

A caveat, though, was concealed in the velvet glove.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2016

British rule is only imperilled when men in authority discard the velvet glove altogether, or—what is probably worse still—wear only the velvet glove, much padded, over their flaccid hands.

From The Story of Baden-Powell 'The Wolf That Never Sleeps' by Begbie, Harold