Soft soap Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɑft/, /ˈsɔft/ /ˈsoʊp
SAWFT SOHP
sˈɒft/ /sˈəʊp
SOFT SOHP
Definition
Polite or flattering talk used to persuade someone or get their approval; can also refer to a gentle way of convincing someone.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and somewhat dated; mainly used in British English. Often implies insincerity or manipulation ('giving someone the soft soap'). Sometimes used as a noun ('that's just soft soap'). Not about literal soap.
Spanish: adulación - halagosPortuguese (BR): bajulação - lisonjaPortuguese (PT): bajulação - lisonjaChinese (Simplified): 奉承话 - 拍马屁Chinese (Traditional): 奉承話 - 拍馬屁Hindi: चापलूसी - मक्खनबाज़ीArabic: مجاملة زائدة - تملقBengali: মিষ্টি কথা - তোষামোদRussian: лесть - подлизываниеJapanese: お世辞 - おべっかVietnamese: lời nịnh bợ - lời tâng bốcKorean: 아부 - 알랑거림Turkish: yağcılık - pohpohlamaUrdu: چاپلوسی - خوشامدIndonesian: rayuan - kata-kata manis
Example Sentences
He tried to use soft soap to get a raise from his boss.
basic
Don't give me that soft soap—just tell me the truth.
basic
She used soft soap to make her parents agree to her plan.
basic
You can try all the soft soap you want, but I'm not changing my mind.
natural
Whenever he needs a favor, he turns on the soft soap.
natural
Some people think a bit of soft soap will help them get what they want faster.
natural