an iron hand in a velvet glove
US /æn ˈaɪərn hænd ɪn ə ˈvelvɪt ɡlʌv/
UK /æn ˈaɪərn hænd ɪn ə ˈvelvɪt ɡlʌv/
1.
tangan besi dalam sarung tangan beludru
a person who is outwardly gentle but inwardly firm and unyielding
:
•
The new manager has an iron hand in a velvet glove; she's polite but gets things done.
Manajer baru memiliki tangan besi dalam sarung tangan beludru; dia sopan tapi menyelesaikan pekerjaan.
•
Despite his gentle demeanor, the CEO ruled the company with an iron hand in a velvet glove.
Meskipun sikapnya lembut, CEO memerintah perusahaan dengan tangan besi dalam sarung tangan beludru.