handle with kid gloves: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  General Englishneutralliteral
  • To handle using gloves made of kid leather, implying gentle, careful handling.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The jeweler handled the delicate necklace with kid gloves to avoid damage.

    The jeweler handled the delicate necklace with kid gloves to avoid damage.

  • She carefully handled the fragile antique vase with kid gloves during the move.

    She carefully handled the fragile antique vase with kid gloves during the move.

  • The surgeon’s assistant always handles the surgical tools with kid gloves to maintain sterility.

    The surgeon’s assistant always handles the surgical tools with kid gloves to maintain sterility.

  • When working with newborn animals, the caretaker uses kid gloves to ensure their safety.

    When working with newborn animals, the caretaker uses kid gloves to ensure their safety.

• 2.

  General EnglishUSUKidiomaticformalneutral
  • To treat a person, subject, or situation very delicately or cautiously in order to avoid offense, controversy, or harm.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The manager had to handle the employee’s complaint with kid gloves to avoid escalating the situation.

    The manager had to handle the employee’s complaint with kid gloves to avoid escalating the situation.

  • If you want to discuss politics with her, you’d better handle the topic with kid gloves.

    If you want to discuss politics with her, you’d better handle the topic with kid gloves.

  • They handled the delicate negotiations with kid gloves to maintain peace between the factions.

    They handled the delicate negotiations with kid gloves to maintain peace between the factions.