At dusk, a softly-softly crept along the branch, turning its head with deliberate, owl-like movements.

His softly, softly manner calmed the nervous team during the crisis.

They adopted a softly-softly approach to negotiations, hoping to build trust before making firm demands.

The teacher eased into the criticism softly softly, offering praise before suggestions.

Their softly softly strategy toward the competitors allowed them to rebuild trust without confrontation.

Despite the urgency, the negotiators relied on softly-softlies to avoid provoking the other side.

In the old playground rhyme, the children chanted 'softly, softly caught the monkey' as they tiptoed around the oak tree.

We need to go softly, softly, catchee monkey when negotiating the contract, so we don't scare the other party away.