What does “Kid gloves” mean?
"Kid gloves" means treating someone delicately or with extreme care.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The teacher handled the student's mistake with kid gloves.
Example
He always treats his elderly grandmother with kid gloves.
Example
The manager handled the difficult situation with the client using kid gloves
Is “Kid gloves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Kid gloves” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Kid gloves” effectively in context?
You can use "Kid Gloves" to describe the act of treating someone delicately or with extreme care. It implies being cautious and considerate in one's actions towards another person. For example, if a teacher is very gentle and understanding when a student makes a mistake, you could say, 'The teacher handled the student's mistake with kid gloves.'
- 1Education
The teacher handled the student's mistake with kid gloves to avoid discouraging them.
- 2Family
He always treats his elderly grandmother with kid gloves to ensure her comfort and well-being.
- 3Customer Service
The manager handled the difficult situation with the client using kid gloves to maintain a positive relationship.
Similar phrases to “Kid gloves”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Kid gloves” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Kid Gloves" can be traced back to the 18th century. Kid gloves were made from the skin of young goats, known as kids. These gloves were known for their softness and delicacy, and were often worn by the upper class. The phrase 'handle with kid gloves' came to mean treating someone or something with extreme care and gentleness.
Is “Kid gloves” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Kid Gloves" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is being treated with extra care and sensitivity.
What tone does “Kid gloves” have?
"Kid Gloves" conveys a tone of gentleness and consideration. It suggests that the person or situation being described is delicate and requires special attention.
Can “Kid gloves” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Kid Gloves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of treating someone delicately. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional emails or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She handled the situation with kid gloves to avoid causing any offense.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to handle this with "kid gloves"!' to imply the need for caution and care.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- treat gently
- handle delicately
- be cautious
- exercise caution
- be considerate
Antonyms
- disregard
- handle roughly
- treat harshly
- be careless
- be insensitive