heavy-handed

/ˌhevi ˈhændɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhevi ˈhændɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd/ (ame, mw)

heavy-handed — adjective

1. treating people with too much force, control, or strictness in a way that feels

1.形容詞C1
釋義

treating people with too much force, control, or strictness in a way that feels unfair or harsh

例句

The government's heavy-handed response to the peaceful march sparked outrage across the country.

collocation: heavy-handed response to [event]

Several parents complained about the principal's heavy-handed punishment of their children.

heavy-handed + punishment: excessive disciplinary action

同義詞
  • oppressive

    stronger emphasis on unjust cruelty rather than just excessive control

  • autocratic

    focuses on the authority figure's refusal to share power

  • harsh

    more general; can describe any severe treatment, not necessarily control-based

反義詞
  • lenient

    allowing more freedom and being less strict

  • gentle

    soft and mild in manner, opposite of harsh control

用法筆記

Often used to describe authorities (governments, managers, parents, teachers) who use excessive power. The noun being modified is typically an action or approach — response, tactics, rule, punishment, style.

常見錯誤

❌The boss was heavy-handed with his employees by giving them clear instructions.
✅The boss was heavy-handed with his employees by imposing strict rules without discussion.
💡'heavy-handed' implies excessive control or harshness, not just giving clear instructions.

2. done in a way that lacks skill, care, or subtlety; not managing to be delicate o

2.形容詞C1
釋義

done in a way that lacks skill, care, or subtlety; not managing to be delicate or clever

例句

The film's heavy-handed environmental message gave the audience no room to think.

heavy-handed message: an idea presented too directly and obviously

From across the restaurant, his heavy-handed praise of the chef embarrassed the whole table.

同義詞
  • clumsy

    more about lack of physical or social skill; less about being obvious

  • unsubtle

    directly synonymous — lacking delicacy or nuance

  • blunt

    focuses on directness in speech, can be positive (honest) or negative (rude)

反義詞
  • subtle

    delicate, precise, and not immediately obvious

  • skillful

    done with care and expertise

用法筆記

Applies to creative works (films, novels, speeches, art) and social behaviors that are obvious, blunt, or lacking finesse. Note the contrast with sense 1: sense 1 is about excessive authority, while sense 2 is about lack of skill or subtlety.

常見錯誤

❌The waiter was heavy-handed when he dropped the plates.
✅The waiter was clumsy when he dropped the plates.
💡'heavy-handed' describes a lack of subtlety or tact, not physical clumsiness with objects.