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Glite Dictionary
kid-glove tactic

kid-glove tactic

7.5
To deal with a sensitive problem very carefully to avoid making things worse
  • noun
translation icon : táctica de guante de seda
  • The CEO used a kid-glove tactic when discussing layoffs with her staff.

Examples

  • The therapist recommended a kid-glove tactic for raising the issue with the child.

  • In negotiations with the protesters, the mayor favored a kid-glove tactic to avoid escalation.

  • The manager used a kid-glove tactic to address the employee's concerns.

  • In negotiations, a kid-glove tactic can prevent misunderstandings.

  • In negotiations with the protesters, the mayor favored a kid-glove tactic to avoid escalation.

  • The CEO used a kid-glove tactic when discussing layoffs with her staff.

  • The therapist recommended a kid-glove tactic for raising the issue with the child.

Synonyms

kid glove strategy
vskid-glove tactic
  • Informal
6.5

A careful gentle way to deal with a sensitive person or situation

has identical meaning but is written with different spacing or punctuation
fogging
vskid-glove tactic
  • Jargon
8.1

Calmly accept part of a criticism to reduce conflict

uses careful, delicate handling rather than accepting criticism to reduce tension

Antonyms

brashness
3 6.8

A way of acting that is too bold, loud, and rude

blunt instrument
3 7.0

A rough, not precise way to solve a problem that often causes harm

How Tactful

kid-glove tactic
7.5
tactic
516 3.0

Surface Forms

kid-glove tactic singular
kid-glove tactics plural

Morphology

kid-glove + tactic

The element 'tactic' (carefully planned action) signals method, and 'glove' evokes handling, so a learner might infer a sense of careful treatment; however 'kid-glove' is historically based on kid (young goat) leather and functions idiomatically to mean very delicate or protective handling, which is not fully deducible from the surface words. Because the connection is suggestive but relies on a cultural/metaphorical image learners may not know, the expression is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Kid-glove tactic may come from the very soft gloves made from the skin of a young goat, called 'kid', which people wore to touch delicate or fragile things without damage. That's why the image of wearing kid glove to be gentle explains the meaning 'to deal with a person or problem very carefully'.