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heavy-handedusing excessive force, authority, or control; lacking subtlety or sensitivity

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: using excessive force, authority, or control; lacking subtlety or sensitivity

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɛvi ˈhændɪd/

Korean meaning: 과도한 힘이나 권위를 사용하는, 섬세함이나 민감함이 부족한

Korean pronunciation: **헤**비 **핸**디드

Example Sentences

  • The teacher's heavy-handed punishment made the students more rebellious.
  • His heavy-handed attempt to fix the delicate watch resulted in complete destruction.
  • The company's heavy-handed layoffs damaged employee morale severely.

heavy-handed

ADJECTIVE

//ˈhɛvi ˈhændɪd//

using excessive force, authority, or control; lacking subtlety or sensitivity

heavy-handed concept
💡 Concept

a large security guard aggressively blows his whistle while pointing sternly at children who are simply playing normally on the playground equipment. He waves his arms dramatically and appears to be shouting, treating minor playground activities as serious violations. The children immediately stop their innocent games and huddle together with worried expressions. Some kids begin to cry while others look confused about what they did wrong. Parents in the background shake their heads disapprovingly at the guard's overreaction. using excessive force and authority while lacking subtlety or sensitivity in handling a simple situation

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈhɛvi ˈhændɪd/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈhɛvi ˈhændɪd/

🌳Etymology

Rootheavy-hand
Suffix--ed

Origin

From the literal phrase 'heavy hand,' dating back to the 16th century. The metaphor developed from the idea that a heavy hand cannot perform delicate work and tends to be clumsy or forceful.

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🎵Rhyme

candidhandedlanded
candid
handed
landed

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📝Examples

The teacher's heavy-handed punishment made the students more rebellious.

😄 Fun example

His heavy-handed attempt to fix the delicate watch resulted in complete destruction.

The company's heavy-handed layoffs damaged employee morale severely.

😄 Fun example

Mom's heavy-handed seasoning turned the soup into a salt mine explosion.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

oppressiveauthoritarianharshbrutalexcessive

Antonyms

gentlesubtlelight-handed

Related

forcefuldomineeringoverbearingautocratic