Search
to soften up
[phrase form: soften]
01
to be kind to someone with the intention of increasing the chances of them agreeing to one's request
02
to strategically weaken an enemy, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks or negotiations
03
to make something less hard or rough
soften up
v
Example
The manager softened up the team by acknowledging their hard work before introducing new challenges.
She decided to soften up her colleague by complimenting their work before discussing the project changes.
Before asking for a favor, he tried to soften up his friend by expressing gratitude for their ongoing support.
The constant stream of water over the years began to soften up the jagged edges of the stone steps.
The general ordered a barrage of artillery fire to soften up the enemy defenses before the ground assault.
Nearby Words
