Definition
Describes someone who appears gentle and kind but is actually very firm and determined in their actions and decisions.
She managed the company with 'an iron hand in a velvet glove,' appearing kind but being very strict in her demands.
The politician was known for using 'an iron hand in a velvet glove'; always polite in public, but uncompromising behind the scenes.
Despite her constant smile, she handles difficult issues with 'an iron fist in a velvet glove'.