velvet glove
📖 Definitions
noun
An outward appearance of gentleness concealing an underlying firmness or resolve.
💬 Usage Examples
“[Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot] has figured out the public-health importance of revealing her humanity and sense of humor, allowing her to dispense orders with a velvet glove.” Chris Jones; Politicians Are Our New Pandemic Celebrities; Chicago Tribune (Illinois); May 3, 2020.