Soften up

usgb
phrasal verb

To make someone or something less resistant or become more receptive.

The advertising campaign is meant to soften up consumers before the new product hits the shelves.
Visual representation of "soften up" - To make someone or something less resistant or become more receptive.

Often appears as...

  • soften up consumers
  • soften up opponents
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "soften up"
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Persuasion Strategy

Used in contexts where someone is trying to gradually convince others, often subtly.

Illustration for Persuasion Strategy
The CEO's speech was designed to soften up the board for the upcoming changes.
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Emotional Preparation

It suggests preparing someone emotionally for something that is about to happen.

Illustration for Emotional Preparation
They used compliments to soften up the crowd before announcing the bad news.
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Strategic Timing

Indicates timing is key; the phrase is often about laying groundwork ahead of time.

Illustration for Strategic Timing
The team meetings were to soften up employees to the idea of restructuring.
Visual representation of the word "Soften up"

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