an iron hand in a velvet glove
Related to an iron hand in a velvet glove: rule with a velvet glove
an iron hand in a velvet glove
A person who has a gentle, sweet, or unassuming appearance or disposition, but who in reality is particularly severe, forceful, or uncompromising. Tom is in for it now with his wife. She might seem like a nice lady to us, but she's an iron hand in a velvet glove when they're at home. The new leader of the country rose to power by promises of democracy and equality to its citizens, but, as his despotic intentions came to light, he soon proved an iron hand in a velvet glove.
See also: glove, hand, iron, velvet
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
an iron hand (or fist) in a velvet glove
firmness or ruthlessness masked by outward gentleness.See also: glove, hand, iron, velvet
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- an iron fist in a velvet glove
- an iron fist in the velvet glove
- an iron hand
- iron hand
- an iron fist
- iron fist
- an iron fist/hand
- fade up
- get out of the wrong side of (the) bed
- wake up on the wrong side of (the) bed