ENGLISH
REFERENCE

soft spot

idiom
Meaning

A sentimental fondness or affection.


Origin

disputed origin

Late 18th c.

Examples
SIMPLE

I have a soft spot for old movies.

CONTEXTUAL

She has a soft spot for stray cats and often brings them home to feed.

COMPLEX

Despite his reputation for being cold and calculating, he always maintained a soft spot for his childhood home in the countryside.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    hit the spot

    To be particularly pleasing or appropriate; to be just right.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    soft sawder

    Cajoling or flattery.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 06

    soft underbelly

    A weak spot; a soft spot.

  7. 07

    spot check

    A cursory inspection or examination, especially of a sample of something.

  8. 08

    spot of bother

    A slight problem; a small predicament.

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