ENGLISH
REFERENCE

handle with kid gloves

idiom
Meaning

To treat (a person or a subject) very delicately or carefully, especially so as not to cause offense or controversy.


Origin

disputed origin

From kid glove.

Examples
SIMPLE

You must handle the new intern with kid gloves today.

CONTEXTUAL

The boss is very sensitive about the budget cuts, so we need to handle him with kid gloves during the meeting.

COMPLEX

Because the political situation remains volatile, the diplomat must handle every negotiation with kid gloves to avoid causing an international incident.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    crank the handle

    To perform a process; to do some work.

  2. 02

    drop the gloves

    To fight.

  3. 03

    dustbin Lid

    [Cockney slang]kid

  4. 04

    dustbin lid/s

    [Cockney slang]kid/s

  5. 05

    fly off the handle

    To become very angry or enraged; to throw a fit or go crazy.

  6. 06

    gloves are off

    Expressing that people are arguing or competing without regard to propriety, restraint, feelings, or (even) safety.

  7. 07

    handle oneself

    to behave

  8. 08

    have a handle on

    To understand or grasp.

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