Rigorous control; sometimes put as 'iron hand in a velvet glove' meaning firm but seemingly gentle control.
Examples:
- He ruled the company with an iron hand.
- She runs the town with an iron hand in a velvet glove.
Origin: c. 1700
Synonyms: iron fist
Rigorous control; sometimes put as 'iron hand in a velvet glove' meaning firm but seemingly gentle control.
Examples:
Origin: c. 1700
Synonyms: iron fist