Heavy hand
noun
The use of excessive force or authority.
The dictator ruled with a heavy hand, intimidating his subjects into silence.
Often appears as...
- rule with a heavy hand
- have a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A lack of delicacy or subtlety.
With his heavy hand, he added too much salt to the soup.
Often appears as...
- have a heavy hand
- with a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Greater force than is required or expected.
He's a great pianist, but sometimes he has a bit of a heavy hand.
Often appears as...
- have a heavy hand
- with a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
The use of excessive force or authority.
The dictator ruled with a heavy hand, intimidating his subjects into silence.
Often appears as...
- rule with a heavy hand
- have a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A lack of delicacy or subtlety.
With his heavy hand, he added too much salt to the soup.
Often appears as...
- have a heavy hand
- with a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Greater force than is required or expected.
He's a great pianist, but sometimes he has a bit of a heavy hand.
Often appears as...
- have a heavy hand
- with a heavy hand
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Excess
Describes overuse of power, often in leadership or control situations.
The new manager's heavy hand caused unrest among the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Heavy hand' implies negative judgment about someone's use of power.
Under her heavy hand, the once joyful office became joyless.
Pro Tip 3/3Oppressive Tone
Used to express a feeling of suppression or restriction by authority.
Citizens felt the heavy hand of the new law curbing their freedoms.
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Excess
Describes overuse of power, often in leadership or control situations.
The new manager's heavy hand caused unrest among the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Heavy hand' implies negative judgment about someone's use of power.
Under her heavy hand, the once joyful office became joyless.
Pro Tip 3/3Oppressive Tone
Used to express a feeling of suppression or restriction by authority.
Citizens felt the heavy hand of the new law curbing their freedoms.
Pro Tip 1/3Authority Excess
Describes overuse of power, often in leadership or control situations.
The new manager's heavy hand caused unrest among the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
'Heavy hand' implies negative judgment about someone's use of power.
Under her heavy hand, the once joyful office became joyless.
Pro Tip 3/3Oppressive Tone
Used to express a feeling of suppression or restriction by authority.
Citizens felt the heavy hand of the new law curbing their freedoms.
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