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Heavy hand
01
the use of excessive force, control, or authority in a way that can be harsh or oppressive
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Uncountable
What is the origin of the idiom "a heavy hand" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "a heavy hand" likely comes from the literal sense of "heaviness" associated with something that is excessive or burdensome. Over time, this literal usage evolved into a figurative expression to describe someone who exercises authority or control in an overly harsh, oppressive, or authoritarian manner.
Examples
The mayor's heavy hand turned a small protest into a citywide crisis.
