Kid Gloves – Idiom, Meaning & Origin

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

To handle with kid gloves means treating something or someone very delicately or cautiously, usually to avoid causing offense or damage. This idiom might make you ponder: Is it kid gloves or kit gloves? The answer is, it’s kid gloves!

This idiom originates from the soft leather made from the skin of a young goat (a “kid”). These gloves were delicate and often used for tasks requiring a gentle touch. So, if someone tells you to handle a situation with kid gloves, they’re suggesting you approach it gently, just like the delicate nature of those gloves.

An idiom is a fixed expression in a language whose meaning isn’t directly understood from its individual words but has a separate meaning of its own. They add a colorful flair to the English language, encapsulating complex ideas into catchy phrases.

As we dive into examples and the story behind this idiom, you’ll see just how vital such phrases are. So, stay with me, and by the end, you’ll be handling the English language with utmost precision!

Is It Kid Gloves or Kit Gloves?

The answer is definitively kid gloves. Kit gloves might sound similar, but you’re just mishearing the original phrase. So, if you ever hear someone say kit gloves, feel free to correct them; you’ll be doing a public service.

Kid gloves and kit gloves usage trend.

What Are Kid Gloves: Its Meaning Explained

Kid gloves are leather gloves made from the hyde of a young goat or a kid, hence the name. These gloves are incredibly soft and delicate, symbolic of gentle handling and care. When you handle something with kid gloves, you’re treating it as delicately as you would if you were wearing these luxurious mittens.

I remember my grandmother always using this phrase when she asked me to help her in the kitchen. She used to bake these intricate pies and desserts and would tell me to “handle them with kid gloves” as I helped her put them in containers. Back then, I just thought she meant they were hot and I should wear some kind of gloves!

Origin and Etymology of Handle With Kid Gloves

The term handle with kid gloves came from the 1600s when kid gloves were a sign of elegance and gentility. Oo la la! Handling something with kid gloves meant you were giving it the utmost care and attention, as you would when donning these fine gloves. Like most idioms, the phrase strayed from its literal usage as people began using it metaphorically.

Synonyms for Handle With Kid Gloves

Need some alternative expressions? Here’s a handy list to choose from:

  • Treat with kid gloves
  • Walk on eggshells
  • Tread lightly
  • Handle with care
  • Be gentle with

Using Kid Gloves in a Sentence

Seeing this idiom in a sentence should give you a better idea of how it works.

  • Sarah always handles her antique china with kid gloves.
  • The issue was sensitive, so I had to handle the conversation with kid gloves.
  • My new phone is so expensive that I handle it with kid gloves.
  • “Handle with kid gloves,” he cautioned as he handed over the rare manuscript.
  • When discussing politics with Uncle Rob, it’s best to handle him with kid gloves.
  • The CEO handles every major decision with kid gloves.
  • She’s been through a lot; you should handle her emotions with kid gloves.
  • The coach handled the young player’s first mistake with kid gloves.
  • If you’re dealing with fragile goods, handle them with kid gloves, advised the supervisor.
  • The teacher had to handle the controversial topic with kid gloves to avoid offending anyone.

Handle With Care

You’re all set to use handle with kid gloves in a manner as delicate as the gloves themselves. I just love how idioms like this can turn a simple sentence into something far more interesting. Looking for more intriguing idioms? I’ve got a closet full of them—no kid gloves are required for browsing!

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