soft spot
A sentimental fondness or affection.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I have a soft spot for old movies.”
“She has a soft spot for stray cats and often brings them home to feed.”
“Despite his reputation for being cold and calculating, he always maintained a soft spot for his childhood home in the countryside.”
Late 18th century. The term entered English as a compound of the adjective soft and the noun spot, appearing in the late 1700s to denote a specific physical or metaphorical vulnerability.
- 01
hit the spot
To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.
- 02
soft kill
A murder that does not leave behind any physical evidence, because the perpetrator carried out the crime by using their bare hands, as opposed to a weapon.
- 03
soft sawder
Cajoling or flattery.
- 04
soft shoe
A speech, explanation, sales pitch, or other set of remarks delivered in a restrained or conciliatory manner in order to persuade, distract, or otherwise influence someone.
- 05
soft touch
A person or group that is sympathetic, accommodating, easily overcome, or easily persuaded, especially one that loans or readily gives money to another.
- 06
soft underbelly
A weak spot; a soft spot.
- 07
spot check
A cursory inspection or examination, especially of a sample of something.
- 08
spot of bother
A slight problem; a small predicament.
Last updated August 10, 2026