English Reference
Idiom idiom

wrap in cotton wool


To treat delicately, to baby, to coddle.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Parents should not wrap their children in cotton wool.

CONTEXTUAL

She is so talented that she does not need her boss to wrap her in cotton wool.

COMPLEX

While his intentions were protective, he realized that to wrap his adult son in cotton wool would only hinder his personal growth.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cotton to

    To like; approve of, accept, or tolerate.

  2. 02

    high cotton

    The best of times; a time of well being.

  3. 03

    more cry than wool

    Dramatic assertions that are backed by little evidence.

  4. 04

    pull the wool over someone's eyes

    To deceive someone.

  5. 05

    riddle wrapped in an enigma

    Something very mysterious and hidden.

  6. 06

    slut's wool

    Accumulated dust, fluff, hair, etc., that tends to occur indoors in areas not regularly dusted, such as under heavy furniture.

  7. 07

    wrap around one's little finger

    To successfully control or exert influence over, especially for a sustained period of time.

  8. 08

    wrap in the flag

    To claim as deserving support for patriotic reasons.

Last updated August 10, 2026