gentle giant
Hulking but harmless
A gentle giant is a large person or animal whose demeanor is unexpectedly mild, kind, or docile.
The phrase plays on the assumption that size correlates with aggression: Despite his intimidating frame, he was a gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a fly.
Often applied to large dog breeds, tall athletes, or anyone whose physical presence belies a tender nature.
- kind-heartedHaving a gentle, caring nature
- heart of goldDeeply generous nature
- breedCultivated variety of animal
- peacefulFree from disturbance
- largeOf great size
canine · lap dog · dog · Great Dane · patient · towering · hulking · Paul Bunyan · nurturing · empathetic · considerate · Saint Bernard · tender · soft touch · Leonberger · Newfoundland · mild-mannered · massive
- character tropesantihero, hero, damsel in distress, mentor, femme fatale
- stock charactersvillain, sidekick, hero, damsel in distress, fool
- rescue dogsrescue dog, shelter dog, foster dog, stray, street dog
- hero tropesaction heroes, chosen one, superheroes, hero's journey, reluctant hero
temperament-size combination
gentle giantbrute
Cruel, violent person
Napoleon complex · small man syndrome · Chihuahua · ankle-biter · scrappy fighter
behavioral expectation subversion
gentle giantsavage beast