soften up

verb

1. to make or become soft
2. tr to weaken (an enemy's defences) by shelling, bombing, etc
3. tr to weaken the resistance of (a person) by persuasive talk, advances, etc

Idioms and Phrases

Reduce resistance, as in His sales motto was: a fine lunch and a few drinks often will soften up a prospective customer . This expression transfers lessening of physical hardness to lessening mental resistance. It was first used, however, in World War II, where it meant “reduce the enemy's defenses by preliminary bombing.” [c. 1940]

Example Sentences

Jurors previously heard testimony from two retired Army generals who investigated Abu Ghraib, and both concluded that Stefanowicz had a role in the abuse of detainees, either by directing military police to “soften up” inmates for interrogation, by using dogs to intimidate them, and by other means of mistreatment.

From Seattle Times

Lawyers for the plaintiffs say that issue is irrelevant, because they argue that CACI’s interrogators played a key role in creating the overall abusive environment at Abu Ghraib by encouraging military police to “soften up” detainees for questioning.

From Seattle Times

The silvery green foliage of white sage makes for great accents in bouquets during cooler winter months, but come spring, when the plant is starting to bloom, the leaves tend to soften up and go limp, she said, making them sad choices for arrangements.

From Los Angeles Times

The guards, visibly tense during the period in the house, seemed to soften up once they had made it into the tunnel.

From Los Angeles Times

But expect the Seahawks to take some deep shots, and maybe early, to try to soften up Carolina.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dominate
• impress
• inspire
• overrule
• persuade