piano piano
/ˈpjɑːnəʊ ˈpjɑːnəʊ/ /pɪˈɑːnəʊ pɪˈɑːnəʊ/(also pian piano)
adverb
Softly, gently; in a quiet or leisurely manner; little by little.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Anthony Copley (b. 1567), writer and conspirator. From Italian piano piano, reduplication of piano.