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Iron hand in a velvet gloveAn idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings. |
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#1
November 17, 2010, 05:51 PM
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Iron hand in a velvet glove
iron hand in a velvet glove, meaning absolute or inflexible firmness concealed by mildness or gentleness in approach.
Variation: iron hand in a mailed glove Mailed means clad in mail, a flexible defensive armor consisting of small, interlinked metal rings or chain-work. The phrase iron hand in a velvet glove contrasts the hardness of iron with the softness of velvet. Any ideas to translate both expressions into Spanish? My attempt is this, Puño de hierro (acero) con guantes de seda/de terciopelo... ? Puño de hierro (acero) con guantes de cota de malla... ? (Would that communicate clearly to Spanish speaking people in general?) (I think so, but if you have other ideas or disagree, please, let me know.)
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#2
November 17, 2010, 06:05 PM
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En México se dice "mano de hierro en/con guante de terciopelo".
Una expresión común es "gobernar con mano de hierro". Creo que la segunda expresión se diría "mano de hierro en/con guante de malla". "Cota de malla" suena largo, pero quizás sea más claro el significado. 
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#3
November 17, 2010, 06:12 PM
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Gracias, Malila. Como lo de la "cota de malla" es una expresión 'acuñada', quizá me sirva. Siempre es bueno tener otros puntos de vista.
__________________
Lo propio de la verdad es que se basta a sí misma, aquel que la posee no intenta convencer a nadie. "An enemy is somebody who flatters you. A friend is somebody who criticizes the living daylights out of you."
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#4
November 18, 2010, 02:50 AM
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mano de hierro en/con guante de seda...
zorro con piel de cordero.... Saludos 
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History, contrary to popular theories, "is" kings and dates and battles. Small Gods Terry Pratchett
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#5
November 18, 2010, 08:43 AM
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Quote:
 I was going to said that.Actually, it reminds me of a text I've read when I was starting college, whose title was: Frivola y casquivana, mano de hierro en guante de seda. Una propuesta para conceptualizar el término 'oligarquía' en América Latina. * past of remind???
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Please, don't hesitate to correct my English. 'Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.' M.A.
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#6
November 18, 2010, 09:29 AM
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Quote:
Mosquita muerta is also ralated. Right? Perdóname pero siempre oigo argentinos hablando de la oligarquía que regla el pais pero nunca estoy seguro de que se refiere empresas? familias aristocrática?
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Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
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#7
November 18, 2010, 08:39 PM
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Gracias a los dos, digo a los tres...
No me acordaba del "zorro con piel de cordero", de hecho yo conocía "lobo con piel de cordero". En cuanto a oligarquía = oligarchy supongo que Ookami nos dirá quienes son, pero es como "el establishment" ¿no?
__________________
Lo propio de la verdad es que se basta a sí misma, aquel que la posee no intenta convencer a nadie. "An enemy is somebody who flatters you. A friend is somebody who criticizes the living daylights out of you."
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#8
November 24, 2010, 01:33 AM
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re Oligarchy, I'd suggest looking up Jack London's 'The Iron Heel' - the book must be about 90 years old now but it had the best explanation of oligarchy I've ever read. Perhaps 'the power behind the throne' suggests the idea best - nowadays I'd call that the large multinationals myself ;-)
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#9
November 24, 2010, 01:54 PM
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Thank you, Grace!
__________________
Lo propio de la verdad es que se basta a sí misma, aquel que la posee no intenta convencer a nadie. "An enemy is somebody who flatters you. A friend is somebody who criticizes the living daylights out of you."
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#10
November 24, 2010, 02:58 PM
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Me suena mano de hierro en guante de seda.
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#11
November 24, 2010, 03:22 PM
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Gracias, Robin.
__________________
Lo propio de la verdad es que se basta a sí misma, aquel que la posee no intenta convencer a nadie. "An enemy is somebody who flatters you. A friend is somebody who criticizes the living daylights out of you."
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