soften someone’s cough: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘soften someone's cough’ mean?
The idiom "soften someone's cough" means to make someone less noticeable or less offensive by diverting attention away from their negative qualities or actions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "talk someone out of something" means to persuade or convince someone not to do or pursue something that they were planning or considering.
The idiom "talk someone into something" means to persuade or convince someone to do something that they may not initially want to do.
The idiom "take down a notch" means to humble or humiliate someone, usually in response to arrogant behavior or excessive self-confidence.
The idiom "sweeten up" means to make someone or something more pleasant, agreeable, or appealing by using flattery, kindness, or other positive actions. It can also refer to adding sugar or other sweeteners to make food or drinks taste better.
The idiom "sweeten the pot" means to make an offer more attractive by adding something valuable. It often refers to increasing the amount of money or other benefits in order to encourage participation or competition.
The idiom "sweeten the pill" means to make something unpleasant or difficult more bearable or acceptable by adding something positive or appealing to it.
The idiom "sugarcoat the pill" means to make something unpleasant or difficult seem more appealing or easier to accept.
The idiom "sugarcoat a bitter pill" means to make something unpleasant or difficult seem more attractive or easier to accept by adding some form of positive or favorable element.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
Mellowing the Grumpy
Softening someone's cough is an idiom that is rooted in medical terminology. The metaphorical meaning of this idiom relates to comforting or soothing someone in a difficult or uncomfortable situation. The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the act of soothing a cough, which can often be harsh, irritating, and even painful. Medically, cough drops or other remedies can be used to alleviate these symptoms. Over time, this medical practice of easing a cough was metaphorically extended to situations beyond physical ailments.
In a figurative context, when someone is said to "soften someone's cough," it means to provide comfort, support, or assistance to that person. This support can come in the form of kind words, reassurance, or any action that helps alleviate emotional distress or difficulties. The intent is to make the person feel better or more at ease, similar to how a cough drop would soothe a physical cough.
This idiom is often used in interpersonal relationships, where one person offers support or solace to another in times of trouble. It can also be used in professional settings, such as a manager or mentor providing guidance and assistance to a subordinate who is facing challenges. The idiom emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness in human interactions.
Softening someone's cough can be related to the idiom "soften the blow." When someone softens the blow, they are making a difficult or unpleasant situation easier to handle. This can be done by delivering bad news in a sensitive manner or providing emotional support to someone who is experiencing a setback. Both idioms focus on the idea of providing comfort or assistance in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "soften the ground" can also be related to softening someone's cough. When someone softens the ground, they are preparing the way for a smoother or more favorable outcome. This can be done by building rapport, establishing common ground, or addressing any potential obstacles early on. In the case of softening someone's cough, the aim is to create a supportive and positive environment that allows the person to cope with their difficulties.
On the other hand, the idiom "harden someone's heart" is the opposite of softening someone's cough. When someone's heart is hardened, they become less receptive to emotional appeals or less empathetic towards others. This can make it challenging to provide comfort or support in difficult situations. Softening someone's cough, however, aims to break through any emotional barriers and provide the necessary care and assistance to help the person feel better.
Another related idiom is "sweeten the pill." This idiom focuses on making something unpleasant or difficult more palatable or easier to accept. It involves adding something positive or beneficial to offset the negative aspects. In the context of softening someone's cough, the aim is to provide comfort or assistance that helps alleviate the difficulties or discomfort the person is experiencing. It's about making the situation more manageable or tolerable.
The idiom "smooth down" can also be connected to softening someone's cough. When someone smooths down a situation, they address any potential conflicts or issues to create a more harmonious or peaceful environment. In the case of softening someone's cough, the focus is on providing the necessary support or reassurance to help alleviate emotional distress. It's about creating a calm and supportive atmosphere that allows the person to feel better.
The idiom "soften someone's cough" originates from the medical practice of soothing a physical cough and has expanded to encompass providing comfort or assistance in challenging situations. Its metaphorical usage emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in interpersonal interactions. The related idioms "soften the blow," "soften the ground," "harden someone's heart," "sweeten the pill," and "smooth down" all share the common theme of providing comfort, support, or assistance in difficult or uncomfortable situations. Although the meaning of "soften someone's cough" is well-established in the United States, it is essential to consider cultural and contextual factors that may influence its interpretation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "soften someone's cough" can be used in a sentence:
- She bought him a thoughtful gift to soften his cough about forgetting their anniversary.
- The manager offered a promotion to the employee to soften his cough after the recent pay cuts.
- In order to soften her parent's cough about her low grades, she promised to work harder next semester.
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