softly-softly


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softly-softly

adj
gradual, cautious, and discreet
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
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softly-softly

adjective cautious, careful, wary, guarded, tentative, prudent, judicious, circumspect, chary, belt-and-braces the government's softly-softly approach to prison reform
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
Translations

softly-softly

[ˌsɒftlɪˈsɒftlɪ] ADJ to adopt a softly-softly approach → adoptar una política cautelosa
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

softly-softly

adj (Brit: = careful) approach → vorsichtig; style → taktvoll
adv → sachte; softly-softly works best → man sollte behutsam vorgehen
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

softly-softly

[ˈsɒftlɪˈsɒftlɪ] adj (approach) → cauto/a
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
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References in periodicals archive ?
Richard Ratcliffe revealed his fears over Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 38, after meeting Boris Johnson yesterday, telling the Mirror the "softly-softly" approach is not working.
Boris stalls on diplomatic status for jailed Brit mum; Husband says 'softly-softly' is not working; EXCLUSIVE
POLICE are set to take a "softly-softly" approach to new laws banning smoking in cars with children, it has been revealed.
Light touch on kids-in-car smoking ban
Sergeant Rob Taylor said such attacks are becoming all too common and warned that police would no longer be taking a "softly-softly approach".
TEN SHEEP DIE AS STRAY ALSATIANS GO ON RAMPAGE
for the drugs have to join some softly-softly Can anyone explain to me why this cannot be done and made law?
Muzzle all dogs; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk y
Two men were charged in New York with plotting to kill the Saudi envoy with the help of nutcases from Mexican drugs gangs - hardly noted for their softly-softly approach.
USA; VIEWS OF THE WORLD
So far Charlton has opted for a softly-softly approach with a horse just reaching full maturity and it should be noted his main target is the Sprint Cup at Haydock in September.
WE'RE WAITING BATED BREATH
This would involve the closure of the road for no more than two hours as opposed to the shambles that West Midlands Police have caused by their softly-softly attitude.
Softly-softly didn't work; YourSay
Barca have welcomed Fabregas' interes, but seem to be taking a softly-softly approach where Arsenal are concerned.
BARCA SHOW 'RESPECT' TO GUNNERS
Rodwell also made his Everton debut last season as a 16 year-old and Moyes will use the same softly-softly technique with the Birkdale-born player to keep him away from the public eye while managing his young career carefully.
Moyes will continue to shield his teenage stars
Sir Igor's comments are very welcome after years of softly-softly treatment for burglars because judges have been under constant political pressure to avoid a custodial sentence.
Get tough on crime
"The harsh penalty was applied following actions taken in the first few months of the Single Payment Scheme - in spite of assurances given by Carwyn Jones that WAG would apply a 'softly-softly' approach to cross-compliance in the first months of the scheme."
FUW gives warning after 'disgraceful' fines case

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