How to Pronounce "soften the blow"
expression
SAWF-en thuh BLOH
SOF-en thuh BLOH
Definition
To make something difficult, bad, or unpleasant seem less severe or easier to accept.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɑfən/, /ˈsɔfən/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɫoʊ
British English
sˈɒfən/ /ðə, ði/ /blˈəʊ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SAWF-en thuh BLOH
UK
SOF-en thuh BLOH
Listen in Context
He tried to soften the blow by giving her the news gently.
A small gift can soften the blow of bad news.
Her kind words helped to soften the blow.
I didn’t want to tell him about the layoffs, so I tried to soften the blow first.