handle with kid gloves
🧤 handle with kid gloves
Concrete Meaning
To treat someone or a situation with extreme care, gentleness, or tact, often because they are sensitive or easily upset.
💬 Context & Examples
Used in management or interpersonal relations when dealing with volatile clients or highly emotional individuals.
- "The lead actor is notoriously temperamental, so the director has to handle him with kid gloves."
- "This is a very fragile diplomatic situation that needs to be handled with kid gloves."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
What literal material is "kid" referring to in this expression?
Show Answer
"kid" refers to the exceptionally soft leather made from the skin of a young goat, traditionally used for high-end, delicate gloves.