| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle-but-firm persuasion | Newsday | 04 Oct 2026 |
| Gentle-but-firm persuasion | Newsday | 02 Oct 2016 |
| Polite-but-firm persuasion | ||
| Gentle manner intended to deceive | ||
| Ruthless one's disguise, so to speak | ||
| "Iron fist" covering | ||
| Symbol of superficial gentleness. |