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
Iron fist in a velvet glove: Smiling all the while, Nan manipulates the Roy children into overpaying $10 billion just so they can outbid their now-rivalrous father.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2023
As overlord, you can rule your gang with either velvet glove or iron fist.
From The Guardian • Dec. 11, 2019
“It’s nice if you can put a velvet glove over the iron fist.”
From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2018
The velvet glove may cover the mail-fist, but the blow is the same.
From Catholic Problems in Western Canada by Daly, George Thomas
