If you say that someone's behaviour is heavy-handed, you mean that they are too forceful or too rough.
[disapproval]
...heavy-handed police tactics.
The demonstration had been dealt with in a violent and heavy handed way.
You can't be heavy handed. You have to make people aware that you understand theirconcerns.
Synonyms: oppressive, harsh, Draconian, autocratic More Synonyms of heavy-handed
2. graded adjective [oft ADJwith n]
If someone is heavy-handedwith something, they use too much of it or use it in a clumsy way.
It all depends on how heavy-handed you are with the paprika.
In fact she tends to be a little heavy-handed when she wears make-up.
Synonyms: clumsy, awkward, bungling, inept More Synonyms of heavy-handed
More Synonyms of heavy-handed
heavy-handed in British English
adjective
1.
clumsy
2.
harsh and oppressive
Derived forms
heavy-handedly (ˌheavy-ˈhandedly)
adverb
heavy-handedness (ˌheavy-ˈhandedness)
noun
heavy-handed in American English
(ˈhɛviˌhændɪd)
adjective
1.
without a light touch; clumsy or tactless
2.
cruel, oppressive, or tyrannical
Derived forms
heavy-handedly (ˈheavy-ˌhandedly)
adverb
heavy-handedness (ˈheavy-ˌhandedness)
noun
Examples of 'heavy-handed' in a sentence
heavy-handed
Another area of concern has been the use of heavy-handed tactics when payments are missed.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The heavy-handed treatment of his opponent is likely to undermine public support for a deeply unpopular regime.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But this heavy-handed treatment of two harmless bird lovers was way over the top.
The Sun (2011)
His team were more than a little heavy-handed.
The Sun (2010)
The security forces are notorious for using heavy-handed tactics to keep the peace.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The paradox is that his heavy-handed tactics risk provoking one.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The heavy-handed tactics came after they had already wrestled the man to the ground.
The Sun (2010)
Older officers are wary of such heavy-handed tactics.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Many are angry with the army for using heavy-handed tactics.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The issue is the heavy-handed approach of certain individuals.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Their pursuit and imprisonment by heavy-handed police.
The Sun (2015)
He criticised police for being heavy-handed and said that he planned to make an official complaint.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I used to think that this represented a callous and heavy-handed approach the problem.
Christianity Today (2000)
Hence the heavy-handed police tactics of dawn raids, ripped up floorboards and the like.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Your neighbour will be annoyed by this heavy-handed approach, but the situation will be completely clear.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The nice fluid football has been replaced by a more physical, heavy-handed approach.
The Sun (2015)
It will not work, this heavy-handed approach to social engineering.
The Sun (2015)
In the Nineties heyday of raves police were slammed for their heavy-handed approach.
The Sun (2014)
Its heavy-handed sales tactics prompted the pharmaceutical industry's regulatory watchdog to make a ruling of unethical behaviour against it.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It's all a little heavy-handed.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Some protesters sat in the street and resisted peacefully, but as crowds swelled there were complaints that the police were getting heavy-handed and punches were thrown.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
heavy-handed
British English: heavy-handed ADJECTIVE
If you say that someone's behaviour is heavy-handed, you mean that they are too forceful or too rough.