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> I suspect we all had the feeling that we'd shaken a velvet-gloved hand on friendly terms and sensed that there was steel underneath. Could someone explain wh
by wasx 9y ago
> I suspect we all had the feeling that we'd shaken a velvet-gloved hand on friendly terms and sensed that there was steel underneath.
Could someone explain what Dennis means when he says this? I didn't really understand the phrase
- schoen 9y agoThis means that he perceived a threat disguised as politeness.
- oldcynic 9y agoThe polite, friendly, retired gentleman could neither confirm or deny that life would get rather difficult if publication proceeded. (ie he wanted to make himself clear without stating directly)
- loup-vaillant 9y agoI seldom get that kind of hint. I bet I would have published the damn paper, not because I'd felt it would be my duty as a scientist or citizen, but out of sheer obliviousness to possible consequences.
- pjc50 9y agoIt's an idiom: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/an-iron-hand-fist-in-a-velvet-glove https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/an-iron-...