idiom
iron fist in a velvet glove
EYE-urn FIST in ah VEL-vet GLUV
ˈaɪərn fɪst ɪn ə ˈvɛlvɪt ɡlʌvListen
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Syllable breakdown
ironfistinavelvetglove
Dictionary meaning
power or authority exercised harshly but concealed beneath a gentle or pleasant exterior; ruthless control disguised as kindness or diplomacy; a management style that maintains firm control while projecting a façade of reasonableness
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