softly

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.

See also: approach, softly

softly, softly, catch the monkey

A slow and careful way of resolving an issue or achieving some pursuit, typically when dealing with a particularly challenging or elusive person, thing, or situation. Don't you worry, we'll lull that crook into a false sense of security and then trap him—softly, softly, catch the monkey. The media giant spent decades adding various companies to its empire, and now it finally has a stranglehold on the entire entertainment industry. Slowly, slowly catch the monkey, as they say.

See also: catch, monkey

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.

See also: monkey

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

An approach that is cautious, tentative, gradual, and careful, especially to an overbearing degree. (Also written "softly, softly.") I just wish his parents didn't always take the softly-softly approach with him. The kid needs to learn how to be a bit more brazen and independent! I think we should use the softly, softly approach at this stage in development.

See also: approach

speak softly and carry a big stick

proverb Attempt peaceful negotiations while also being prepared for confrontation by displaying one's power, especially military force. The phrase was popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1903 speech. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to speak softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.

See also: and, big, carry, softly, speak, stick

talk softly and carry a big stick

proverb Attempt peaceful negotiations while also being prepared for confrontation by displaying one's power, especially military force. The similar phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" was popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1903 speech. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to talk softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.

See also: and, big, carry, softly, stick, talk

walk softly and carry a big stick

Attempt peaceful negotiations while also being prepared for confrontation by displaying one's power, especially military force. The phrase is a variation on "speak softly and carry a big stick," a phrase popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1903 speech. Because that group is violent and unpredictable, I think you need to walk softly and carry a big stick when you deal with them.

See also: and, big, carry, softly, stick, walk

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a/the softly-ˈsoftly approach

(British English, informal) a/the gentle, patient and careful way of doing something, especially when dealing with people: The police are now trying a more softly-softly approach with football hooligans. OPPOSITE: like a bull in a china shop

See also: approach

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

speak softly and carry a big stick

Back up what you say with a show of strength. This term is a quotation from a speech by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 2, 1901, in which he said the country must keep on training a highly efficient navy in order to back up the Monroe Doctrine. It was often repeated and is by no means obsolete. Opera singer Renée Fleming referred to it in The Inner Voice (2004, describing her manager: “He is thoughtful, has enormous integrity, is highly respected, and speaks softly but carries . . . well, you know.”

See also: and, big, carry, softly, speak, stick

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer