an iron fist in a velvet glove
1(an) iron fist (in a velvet glove) — an iron ˈfist/ˈhand (in a velvet ˈglove) idiom if you use the words an iron fist/hand when describing the way that sb behaves, you mean that they treat people severely. This treatment may be hidden behind a kind appearance (the velvet glove) •… …
2an iron fist in a velvet glove — ► an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness. Main Entry: ↑iron …
3an iron fist in a velvet glove — something that you say when you are describing someone who seems to be gentle but is in fact severe and firm. To enforce each new law the president uses persuasion first, and then force the iron hand in the velvet glove …
4iron fist in a velvet glove — strength hidden by softness …
5(an) iron hand (in a velvet glove) — an iron ˈfist/ˈhand (in a velvet ˈglove) idiom if you use the words an iron fist/hand when describing the way that sb behaves, you mean that they treat people severely. This treatment may be hidden behind a kind appearance (the velvet glove) •… …
6an iron hand in a velvet glove — ► an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness. Main Entry: ↑iron …
7an iron hand in a velvet glove — an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness …
8an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove — firmness or ruthlessness cloaked in outward gentleness. → iron …
9iron fist — Someone who rules or controls something with an iron fist is in absolute control and tolerates no dissent. An iron fist in a velvet glove is used to describe someone who appears soft on the outside, but underneath is very hard. Mailed fist is an… …
10velvet glove — This idiom is used to describe a person who appears gentle, but is determined and inflexible underneath. ( Iron fist in a velvet glove is the full form.) …