British & Australian

a gradual way of solving a problem that shows patience and does not involve immediate action or force.

The recent unrest in the capital suggests that the government's softly, softly approach to reform is not working.

• throw yourself upon mercy
• throw yourself upon someone's mercy
• throw your weight around
• throw your weight behind
• throw your weight behind someone
• throw your weight behind something
• thumb nose at
• thumb nose at someone
• thumb nose at something
• thumbs down
• thumbs down someone
• thumbs down something
• thumbs up
• thumbs up someone
• thumbs up something
• thumb through
• thumb through something
• thumb your nose at
• thumb your nose at someone
• dig out of a hole
• dig out something
• dig own grave
• dig someone out of a hole
• dig the dirt
• dig up