mailed fist

noun

1. superior force, especially military force, when presented as a threat:

   The country showed its mailed fist in negotiations.

2. brutal or naked power, especially coercive force:

   the mailed fist hidden in the velvet glove.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mailed fist¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

To the north of Australia's slice of this wonderland the Kaiser was squeezing a hunk of the same island in his mailed fist.

From Project Gutenberg

Again the mailed fist struck the panel; an echo alone replied.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as one leaves the hut the cold smites one in the face like a mailed fist.

From Project Gutenberg

To a brilliant living monarch we owe the phrase "mailed fist," a translation of Ger.

From Project Gutenberg

But she would not have it so, and she chose to follow the principle of relying on the "Mailed Fist."

From Project Gutenberg