I had to use a firm hand with Perry when he was a child. He had a problem with discipline.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
firm hand — See a firm hand … English idioms
(a) firm hand — a firm hand phrase if someone needs a firm hand, they need to be controlled in a strict way Thesaurus: power, authority, influence and leadershipsynonym Main entry: firm * * * a firm ˈhand idiom strong control or discipline … Useful english dictionary
(a) firm hand on the tiller — if someone has a firm hand on the tiller, they have a lot of control over a situation. What people want is a president with a firm hand on the tiller … New idioms dictionary
a firm hand — ► a firm hand strict discipline or control. Main Entry: ↑firm … English terms dictionary
a firm hand — a person who will discipline people The students in Grade 8 need a teacher with a firm hand … English idioms
a firm hand — if someone needs a firm hand, they need to be controlled in a strict way … English dictionary
firm — Ⅰ. firm [1] ► ADJECTIVE 1) having an unyielding surface or structure. 2) solidly in place and stable. 3) having steady power or strength: a firm grip. 4) showing resolute determination. 5) fixed or definite: firm plans … English terms dictionary
firm — adj Firm, hard, solid are comparable chiefly as meaning having a texture or consistency that markedly resists deformation by external force. Firm (opposed to loose, flabby) suggests such closeness or compactness of texture or a consistency so… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
a firm hand — strict discipline or control. → firm … English new terms dictionary
firm — firm1 W1S1 [fə:m US fə:rm] n [Date: 1700 1800; : Italian; Origin: firma signature , from Latin firmare to show to be true , from firmus; FIRM2] a business or company, especially a small one electronics/advertising/law etc firm ▪ She works for an… … Dictionary of contemporary English
firm — firm1 [ fɜrm ] adjective *** 1. ) solid but not hard: The ground beneath our feet was fairly firm and not too muddy. I sleep better on a firm mattress. firm, ripe tomatoes ─ opposite SOFT 2. ) steady and fixed in place: Make sure the ladder is… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
