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'SOFTEN UP' Phrasal Verb

Definition of Soften up phrasal verb

Soften up

  1. Weaken
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: The bombardment SOFTENED UP their defenses; I think we can move in tomorrow.
  2. Do things to please someone in the hope that they will do what you want
    (Separable [optional] | International English)
    » Example: I paid for everything to SOFTEN them UP before they made the decision.

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