PhrasesHub

soft spot

    Definitions

      • vulnerability
        Referring to a feeling of affection or a special liking for someone or something, often resulting in leniency or favoritism

      • susceptibility
        Describing a physical or emotional area that is particularly sensitive or vulnerable

    Examples of soft spot

    • Sarah has a soft spot for animals, especially stray cats. She always takes them in and provides them with food, shelter, and love.

      A soft spot is a place in someone's heart that is especially vulnerable to a certain kind of emotional appeal. In this example, Sarah's love and compassion for stray cats has created a soft spot in her heart.

    • Although he could be a tough negotiator in business deals, John had a soft spot for his employees. He believed in treating them with kindness and respect, and he always went out of his way to support them.

      In this example, John's kind and caring nature towards his employees has created a soft spot in his heart.

    • The politician's soft spot for his wealthy donors led him to make policies that favored their interests over the needs of the poor and disadvantaged.

      This example illustrates how a person's soft spot for a particular group or cause can lead them to act in a way that benefits that group at the expense of others.

    • The coach had a soft spot for the underdog team, as he himself had once been in their position. He went above and beyond to help them prepare for the championship game, and his support paid off in a hard-fought victory.

      In this example, the coach's personal experience and empathy for the underdog team has created a soft spot in his heart, leading him to take extra care and effort to help them succeed.

    • Sarah's son was born with a heart defect, and ever since then, she's had a soft spot for children with similar conditions.

      This example shows how someone can develop a special affection or sympathy for a particular group of people due to a personal experience or connection. In this case, Sarah's child's medical condition has led her to feel a strong emotional attachment towards other children facing similar health issues.

    • As a coach, Tom has a soft spot for his star player, who's been with the team for many years.

      This example demonstrates how a person in a position of authority or leadership can develop a deep affection or preference for a member of their team, group, or organization. Tom's long-standing association with his standout athlete has led him to have a special bond with this individual.

    • Whenever John heard the sound of a crying baby, he would stop in his tracks and feel a soft spot in his heart.

      This example illustrates how a particular sound or sensory experience can evoke a deep emotional response in someone. John's sensitivity to the sound of an infant's cries reveals his tender feelings towards young children.

    • Lena inherited a significant amount of money from her grandmother, and she promised herself that she would always have a soft spot in her heart for those in need.

      This final example highlights how an individual can carry the legacy of a loved one's kindness and generosity forward. Lena's grandmother's kindness towards less fortunate individuals has instilled in her a sense of compassion and a resolve to help others whenever possible.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "soft spot" can be used to indicate both vulnerability and susceptibility. It can refer to a feeling of affection or a particular sensitivity, often resulting in leniency or favoritism. It can also describe a physical or emotional area that is particularly sensitive or vulnerable.

    Origin of "soft spot"

    The origin of the idiom "soft spot" can be traced back to the 19th century. The term "spot" has been used to refer to a particular place or point, while "soft" has been associated with vulnerability or tenderness. The combination of the two words likely evolved from the idea of a tender or vulnerable area, both physically and emotionally. Over time, the idiom has come to be used in various contexts to express affection, leniency, or sensitivity. For example, a parent may have a "soft spot" for their child, showing them special favor, or a person may have a "soft spot" for a particular type of food, indicating a strong liking or affection for it.