An iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove) In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "an iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Evelyn Nguyen

2021-04-08 10:04

Meaning of An iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)

An iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove) phrase

Someone who looks gentle and sweet but in fact is severe and forceful

She is an iron hand in a velvet glove! She is actually a severe teacher.

Laura seems like a gentle lady, but she's an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Don't make fun of her! She's an iron fist in a velvet glove!

The way Tom monitors the class seems to be an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Other phrases about:

keep (one's) own counsel

This idiom means that someone does not share what they think or feel with others.

brush (something) under the carpet

Try to hide and deny something that is embarrassing, unappealing, or damaging to one's reputation

paper over the cracks

To cover up or conceal problems in order to make a situation seem better

sail under false colours

To deliberately hide one's true nature, intentions or purposes

hide away

1. If you hide away, you go somewhere so that no one can find you.
2. If you hide someone or something away, you put them in a place where people cannot find them.

Origin of An iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)

The origin of this idiom is not clear but a source said that it came from the Latin 'Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re', which means something similar.