IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishhandle someone with kid gloves
Meaning: To treat someone cautiously or gently because he or she is easily hurt or angered.
Example: “The new intern is nervous, so handle her with kid gloves for now.”
Equivalents in other languages
French: Prendre des gants Literally: To take gloves
Origin: Kid gloves, made from the soft leather of young goats, were a sign of refinement and were too delicate for rough work. The phrase for treating someone very gently is recorded from the 19th century.
More English idioms
- hanky panky Sexual misconduct, mischief, or suspicious dealings.
- hem and haw To hesitate to say something directly.
- hit or miss Unplanned or random; equally likely to succeed or fail.
- hit pay dirt To find something of great value.
- hit the jackpot To get rich or find something of value.
- hit the sack To go to bed.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
Keep exploring