heavy-handed

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.

According to French media, he told his "entourage" recently that "I may have been heavy-handed… but I always took no for an answer".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

But the heavy-handed use of “our,” “we” and “all” sends the message that, if you don’t agree with Rollins, you don’t fully count as a person, much less as a valued employee at USDA.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

It notably restricts ICE at 26 Federal Plaza, where masked agents have routinely detained people attending immigration hearings, sometimes using heavy-handed tactics.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

It all can feel a little heavy-handed, but extremity does suit the story.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

“Y’all be gettin mad heavy-handed on the mayo. And put sweet peppers on there for me, my dude.”

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds