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.

“The spectre of state intervention into controlling the private sector has created a crescendo of panic selling,” said Sean Darby at Jefferies, calling it an iron fist in a velvet glove.

From Reuters

“A fist in your face, but in a velvet glove,” as Cabu used to say of the cartoonist’s work.

From New York Times

“I’ve heard it referred to as the iron fist in the velvet glove.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It gave her a steely determination, a respect for what it takes to do it. I’ve heard her described as a steel fist in a velvet glove.”

From The Guardian

An iron fist in the velvet glove of advanced technology, drones can mete out just enough surveillance to pacify the occupied, while avoiding the kind of devastating bloodshed that would provoke a revolution or international intervention.

From The Guardian