tender mercies
Soft, compassionate care
Tender mercies is almost always ironic, referring to treatment that is anything but merciful or gentle.
To leave someone to another's tender mercies is to abandon them to harsh, unsympathetic handling: She left the new intern to the tender mercies of the department head.
The phrase originates in scripture, where it was sincere; modern usage inverts it.
- divine graceUnmerited favor from deity
- saving graceCompensating good quality
- healingRestoration of health
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
- gentle careSoft, considerate treatment
compassion · grace · soft touch · sheltering · safe haven · empathy · prayer · still small voice · kindness · gentleness · psalms · open arms · rescuing · guardian angel · covenant · protecting · blessing · charity
tender merciescruelty
Deliberate harm-causing disposition
brutality · mercilessness · ruthlessness · callousness · pitilessness
tender merciesgood hands
Competent, trustworthy care
nurturing · protective custody · good graces · warm reception · sanctuary
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