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Mr. Tom Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Idiomatic expression for "to use harsh methods"

Hi

Is there any idiomatic expression in English which means "to use harsh actions if need be"? For example:

If sweet talks don't work, we.....

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Mr. Tom If sweet talks don't work You have the wrong phrasing. If sweet talk doesn't work, we'll (have to) take off the gloves.

— CalifJim

  • Mr.
  • Tom If sweet talks don't work You have the wrong phrasing.
  • If sweet talk doesn't work, we'll (have to) take off the gloves.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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Mr. TomIf sweet talks don't work
You have the wrong phrasing.

If sweet talk doesn't work, we'll (have to) take off the gloves.

CJ
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Nice expression "take off the gloves" -- thanks, CJ.

I did a bit of research and came across "cut the Gordian knot" -- do you think it also carries the same meaning? Or is it more violent?

Tom
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Mr. TomI did a bit of research and came across "cut the Gordian knot" -- do you think it also carries the same meaning?
No. First of all, this is a bit of legend or myth from ancient Greek times, something more likely to be understood by a classics scholar than by an ordinary person in the street, so only one person in several thousand would have any idea wha
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