soften someone's cough
The idiom "soften someone's cough" is used to describe actions that undermine, humble, or reprimand someone.
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Definition
C1Conversation
(idiomatic, informal)To undermine or completely negate someone's argument or position.
Example
- She thought she had a solid argument, but his counterpoints really softened her cough.
C1Behavior
(idiomatic, informal)To humble or humiliate someone, putting them in their place.
Example
- After boasting about his skills, the coach's criticism softened his cough.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "soften someone's cough":