APAD: Velvet paws hide sharp claws.

Velvet paws hide sharp claws.

This proverb means that someone may appear gentle or harmless, but can still be dangerous or assertive.

 "Velvet paws hide sharp claws" is used to warn someone about underestimating others based on their appearance. It emphasizes the idea that someone may seem gentle or harmless, but can still be dangerous or assertive.  For example, if a friend is being too trusting of a new acquaintance, you might say, 'Remember, velvet paws hide sharp claws. Be cautious and don't let appearances deceive you.'

More examples:

1. Friendship

She may seem sweet and innocent, but velvet paws hide sharp claws. Don't underestimate her.

2. Dealing with people

Don't be fooled by his charming smile. Velvet paws hide sharp claws. He can be quite aggressive when he wants to be.

3. Animal behavior

The cat looked adorable, but when I tried to pet it, it scratched me. Velvet paws hide sharp claws.

 

Ahh, so true wrt people 1 doesn't know well. but I've yet 2

meet a cat who uses hiddenSharpClaws 2scratchMe. luckyMe :-)

"an iron fist in a velvet glove" but paw&claw rhymes better

feel iron fist more "neutral & gentle" than sharp claws ;-))

even plaster in a glove enough to kill a boxer, it happened

Is this true?

in real life

maybe in general, but never happened 2Me :-)

I meow 2 them 1st, & they respond & give me tummy 2 pet.

will try to record next time and post :-)

shades of meanings.

That's imaginable.

I thought both paws and claws mean 爪子. What‘s the difference

这有个彩蛋作业：

西班牙语还挺好玩。给我打几分？

 

A good one! Why both idioms like to use the word velvet? :)

Paw指的是这个脚掌包括爪子，claw指具体的爪子部分。

是不是动物的paw对应着人的手，claw对应着人的指甲？：）

I just learnt the word “velvet ”today：）

My take: 2 add contrast 2 the sharpness&Toughness of hidden

比如：天真无知 (== paws velvet) vs 撒谎骗人(== sharp claws ：-）

比如：天真无知 (== velvet paws) vs 撒谎骗人(== sharp claws ：-）

claw 对应指甲？

lovely