cat in gloves catches no mice

a cat in gloves catches no mice

proverb One might have to incorporate blunt or aggressive action in order to obtain results that cannot be achieved with passivity or restraint. I think you'll get that promotion if you pursue it more assertively. A cat in gloves catches no mice, after all.
See also: cat, catch, glove, mice, no
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cat in gloves catches no mice

Prov. Sometimes you cannot get what you want by being careful and polite. Jill: I've hinted to Mary several times that I need her to pay me the money she owes, but she just ignores me. Jane: A cat in gloves catches no mice, Jill. Tell her bluntly that you need the money.
See also: cat, catch, glove, mice, no
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a cat in gloves catches no mice
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • all cats are gray after dark/at night
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • for want of a nail