handle with gloves



handle with gloves

Also, handle with kid gloves. Treat with great or very gently, as in She has a terrible temper, so try to handle her with kid gloves. This usage probably alludes to the antonym, handle without gloves, meaning "to treat harshly." Gloves made of kidskin, the hide of a young goat, are soft and pliable, whence the transfer to delicate treatment. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: glove, handle

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Dejen-Eastern African, Amharic
Aviram-Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Shanikashə-NEE-kəAfrican American (Modern)
MyronMIE-rən (English), muy-rawn (Ancient Greek)English, Ancient Greek
Aristeides-Ancient Greek
Devaraj-Indian, Kannada