heavy-handed

American  

[hev-ee-han-did] / ˈhɛv iˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

1. oppressive; harsh.

   a heavy-handed master.

2. clumsy; graceless.

   a heavy-handed treatment of the theme.

---

heavy-handed British  

adjective

1. clumsy

2. harsh and oppressive

---

Other Word Forms

• heavy-handedly adverb
• heavy-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of heavy-handed

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

This observational approach is regularly undercut, unfortunately, by a heavy-handed soundtrack that makes the film feel less trustworthy.

From Los Angeles Times

Being too heavy-handed can "backfire and your child will probably hang out with that friend more just to spite you."

From BBC

When he arrives, things take a turn from the heavy-handed to the silly, which is an improvement.

From The Wall Street Journal

But advocates and lawyers say that heavy-handed tactics are spawning dangerous situations in neighborhoods.

From Los Angeles Times

After the chatbot signed off for good, people were more likely to agree with statements like, “I felt angry” or “I felt mad,” especially when the AI companions used heavy-handed tactics like simulating emotional neglect.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• coercive
• cruel
• harsh
• oppressive