# soften the ground

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/soften-the-ground
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To prepare or create favorable conditions (for something), especially with the intent of improving public acceptance of the forthcoming occurrence.

## Examples

- She talked to her boss to soften the ground before asking for a raise.
- The manager held several informal meetings to soften the ground before announcing the difficult changes to the staff.
- By leaking small details of the policy to the press, the government sought to soften the ground for the unpopular legislation they planned to introduce next month.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.