An (the) iron hand (fist) in a (the) velvet glove

Posted by ESC on December 01, 2004

In Reply to: An (the) iron hand (fist) in a (the) velvet glove posted by David FG on November 30, 2004

: : Where does this expression originally come from ?

: : [Dead link removed - ed]

: Not sure about the original origin (if you will forgive the phrase) but I have always believed it came from the Latin 'Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re', which means (with a certain freedom of translation) something similar.

: DFG

IRON HAND IN A VELVET GLOVE -- "Disguised firmness: a gentle demeanor concealing a resolute personality. Thomas Carlyle wrote in 'Latter-Day Pamphlets' : 'Soft of speech and manner, yet with an inflexible vigour of command...'iron hand in a velvet glove,' as Napoleon defined it.' Napoleon seems to have originated this phrase." The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Wings Books, Originally New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985).

• An (the) iron hand (fist) in a (the) velvet glove Lee 01/December/04
  • Speak softly.............. Ward 05/December/04