# wrap in cotton wool

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wrap-in-cotton-wool
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To treat delicately, to baby, to coddle.

## Examples

- Parents should not wrap their children in cotton wool.
- She is so talented that she does not need her boss to wrap her in cotton wool.
- While his intentions were protective, he realized that to wrap his adult son in cotton wool would only hinder his personal growth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.