What Does “handle someone with kid gloves” mean?
Definition:
If you handle someone or something with kid gloves, you treat them delicately or carefully, mainly because of a perceived sensitivity.
The origin of ‘handle with kid gloves’
kid gloves were originally made from the skin of a young lamb or goat, a particularly fine, soft material. These gloves were first associated with aristocracy. By the end of the 19th century, the phrase ‘handle with kid gloves’ gained a figurative meaning, that is treating someone or something ‘delicately’ or ‘carefully’.
The phrase is contrasted with other expressions containing the term gloves:
– Take off the gloves.
– The gloves are off.
– Handle without gloves.
All the above expressions refer to inflicting harsh treatment to someone or something.
Example(s)
– He has become so sensitive after his divorce. You need to handle him with kid gloves.
– Make sure you handle her kid gloves; she is suffering from depression and anxiety.