softly-softly
adjective Cautious, tentative, gradual and careful, especially to an overbearing degree. (Also written "softly, softly.") I just wish his parents weren't so softly-softly with him all the time. The kid needs to learn how to be a bit more brazen and independent! I think we should take things a bit softly, softly at this stage in development.
softly, softly approach
A calm and thoughtful method for dealing with a problem. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. When dealing with unmotivated teens, the softly, softly approach doesn't always work—sometimes you have to do something to get their attention. Many parents use the softly, softly approach when trying to calm their toddlers' tantrums.
softly, softly, catchee monkey
A slow and careful way of resolving an issue, typically when dealing with a deceptive or otherwise challenging person or thing. Don't you worry, we'll lull that crook into a false sense of security and then trap him—softly, softly, catchee monkey.
speak softly and carry a big stick
A phrase popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt that encourages one to attempt peaceful negotiations while also being armed and ready for battle. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to speak softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.
walk softly and carry a big stick
A variation on "speak softly and carry a big stick," a phrase popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt that encourages one to attempt peaceful negotiations while also being armed and ready for battle. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to walk softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.