The phrase "velvet glove" means using a gentle and polite approach to deal with a situation or person, while still being firm and assertive. It implies being courteous on the outside, but having a strong and resilient attitude within.
Sentences with «velvet glove»
Like every other concept car worth a couple million, this one too must be operated with velvet gloves at the speed of a retired marathon runner. (automobilemag.com)
The GT8 is a colt that has never before felt saddle and bridle — its equipped with harder springs, stiffer dampers, tauter bushings, more aggressive brakes and almost as much carbon - fiber wing work as a Le Mans car — and is best treated with iron hands in velvet gloves to avoid any unexpected understeer scrubs or snap - oversteer situations. (automobilemag.com)
For some insight of Cuomo's velvet glove approach with the Legislature, consider the following passage: (nystateofpolitics.com)