go soft
The phrase "go soft" can imply a reduction in strictness, strength, or firmness, depending on the context.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1Physical Objects
(general)To lose firmness or strength, often referring to physical objects or substances.
Example
- The bread has gone soft after being left out overnight.
- The clay went soft in the heat.
C1Health
(medical)To experience a loss of firmness or strength, particularly referring to erectile dysfunction.
Example
- He was worried about going soft during the medical examination.
B2General
(informal)To become less strict or severe in one's attitude or approach.
Example
- Don't go soft on him just because he's your friend.
- The coach went soft on the players after their recent victories.
B2Behavior
(informal)To become more lenient or compassionate in behavior or decision-making.
Example
- The judge has gone soft on first-time offenders.
- He used to be very strict, but he's gone soft in his old age.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go soft":
soften upgo easysoftly softlysoft killsoft touchsoft pointsoft keysoft handsoft landingease uptread softlygo hardkid glovesoft shoeloosen upslacken off