velvet
A very soft, thick cloth with a smooth surface on one side, used for clothes, curtains, and furniture.
A woven fabric with a dense, short, soft pile on one side, giving it a smooth, luxurious surface.
Very soft and smooth, like velvet cloth, especially when talking about skin, sound, or touch.
Describing a surface, sound, or other quality that is very soft, smooth, and pleasant, like velvet fabric.
The soft skin and hair that covers a deer’s new antlers while they are still growing.
The soft, blood-rich skin covered with short hair that surrounds and nourishes a deer’s growing antlers before it is shed.
The soft and smooth quality of something, like velvet cloth, especially when talking about skin, sound, or air.
A quality of great softness and smoothness, especially in touch or sound, likened to velvet fabric.
- Base: velvet
- Plural: velvet, velvets
like velvet
1very soft and smooth in feel or sound
Used to say that something feels, tastes, or sounds very soft and smooth, like velvet cloth.
- The lotion made her hands feel like velvet.
- His voice was like velvet in her ears.
- This soup is like velvet on the tongue.
on velvet
6in a very secure, winning position
To be in a very good and safe situation, especially after you have already won back what you risked, so anything more is extra.
- After paying off his debts from the first deal, he was on velvet with the second one.
- Once you’ve covered your costs, you’re on velvet for the rest of the project.
- The team is on velvet now—they’ve already secured a spot in the playoffs.
red velvet
2type of red chocolate cake
A sweet cake that is red or dark red-brown, usually with a light chocolate taste and white cream cheese frosting.
- We ordered a red velvet cake for her birthday.
- Red velvet cupcakes are my favorite dessert.
- The bakery specializes in red velvet with cream cheese icing.
velvet divorce
7peaceful political or institutional split
A peaceful and orderly separation between two parts of a country or organization, without violence or big public conflict.
- The split of Czechoslovakia into two states is often called the Velvet Divorce.
- Some leaders argued that a velvet divorce would be better than years of argument.
- Commentators wondered if the company’s breakup could be managed as a velvet divorce.
velvet glove
5gentle manner hiding firmness
A way of speaking or acting that seems soft and kind but is still very firm or controlling.
- She used a velvet glove approach, asking nicely but making it clear that no was not an option.
- The negotiations were handled with a velvet glove, mixing charm with clear demands.
- Good managers often lead with a velvet glove rather than open threats.
velvet revolution
4mostly non-violent political revolution
A big political change, usually a change of government, that happens with little or no violence.
- The Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989 ended one-party rule.
- Many protesters hoped for a velvet revolution rather than a bloody conflict.
- Historians compare the peaceful transition to a velvet revolution.
velvet rope
3soft rope used as barrier
A thick, soft rope used in clubs, theaters, and events to make a line or to keep people out of a special area.
- A line formed behind the velvet rope outside the nightclub.
- Only VIP guests were allowed past the velvet rope.
- Security guards stood by the velvet ropes at the entrance.
an iron fist in a velvet glove
1harsh power hidden by gentleness
To control people in a very strict or harsh way but to hide this behind a polite, kind, or gentle manner.
- The new CEO rules with an iron fist in a velvet glove, smiling as she makes tough cuts.
- The governor’s style was an iron fist in a velvet glove—polite in public, but very firm in private.
- Parents sometimes need an iron fist in a velvet glove to set clear limits with love.
an iron fist in a velvet glove
2Gentle appearance, harsh control
A person who looks kind and gentle but actually controls people in a very hard and strict way.
- The new CEO is an iron fist in a velvet glove: always smiling, but very tough.
- Her teaching style was an iron fist in a velvet glove—calm voice, strict rules.