Soften up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈsɑfən/, /ˈsɔfən/ /ˈəp

SAW-fuhn UHP

UK

sˈɒfən/ /ˈʌp

SOF-uhn UP

Definition

To make something softer, or to make a person less strict, less angry, or more open to an idea.

Usage & Nuances

Informal phrase. Used for both literal (making something physically soft) and figurative (making someone less strict or stubborn) meanings. Often found in 'soften up someone' or 'soften up the mood'. Not the same as just 'soften', which is more general.

• Spanish: ablandar - suavizar (actitud)
• Portuguese (BR): amolecer - suavizar (atitude)
• Portuguese (PT): amolecer - suavizar (atitude)
• Chinese (Simplified): 软化 - 让态度软化
• Chinese (Traditional): 軟化 - 讓態度軟化
• Hindi: नरम करना - मनाना (व्यवहार में नरमी लाना)
• Arabic: يلين - يلين الموقف
• Bengali: নরম করা - মন গলানো
• Russian: смягчить - разжалобить
• Japanese: 柔らかくする - 気を和らげる
• Vietnamese: làm mềm - làm dịu lòng
• Korean: 부드럽게 하다 - 마음을 누그러뜨리다
• Turkish: yumuşatmak - yüreğini yumuşatmak
• Urdu: نرم کرنا - دل پگھلانا
• Indonesian: melunakkan - meluluhkan hati

Example Sentences

Heat will soften up the butter.

basic

He tried to soften up his teacher by being extra polite.

basic

A little sugar can soften up the sour taste.

basic

They sent her flowers to soften her up before asking for a favor.

natural

Try some jokes to soften up the mood in the room.

natural

It's tough to soften up my dad once he's made up his mind.

natural