with a heavy hand

with a heavy hand

1. In an excessive, authoritarian, or oppressive way or manner. The police dispersed the protesters with a heavy hand. My father always punished us with a heavy hand.2. In a clumsy or uncoordinated way. People who aren't trained in this discipline often use the tools with a heavy hand.See also: hand, heavy

heavy hand, with a

1. In a clumsy manner, as in You can't use that delicate equipment with a heavy hand. [Mid-1600s] 2. Overbearingly or severely, as in Children brought up with a heavy hand often rebel in later years. [Late 1800s] See also: heavy