soften someone's cough

English

Verb

soften someone's cough (third-person singular simple present softens someone's cough, present participle softening someone's cough, simple past and past participle softened someone's cough)

1. (idiomatic) To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.
   • 2004, Edmund Powers, The Last Chapter, →ISBN, page 183:

     'Ha! That's softened your cough. Now, we'll waste no more time out here gabbing,' and that leather, hobgoblin face became very, very businesslike.

   • 2009, Terry Wogan, Where Was I?!: The World According to Wogan, →ISBN:

     Let me fill you in on a few minor details that may soften your cough.

   • 2010, Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, The Oh My God Delusion, →ISBN:

     'Everyone knows this place is an obvious front,' I go. 'You're laundering the moo you stashed in Andorra.' That softens his cough.

2. (idiomatic) To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place.
   • 2012, Arlene Hunt, Blood Money, →ISBN:

     Because this was blameless Mike's third such 'surprise', Justice Carmel Healy decided she'd soften his cough by sticking him inside for a few months.

   • 2014, JP Burke, Perfumed Cargo, →ISBN, page 52:

     That's one thundering snotty bitch!” “Yeah,” Hanly said as he started the engine. “Thinks she's Marie Antoinette or some other high and mighty queen. I know it would only be a fine but it might just soften her cough a bit.

   • 2016, Mary Morrissy, Prosperity Drive, →ISBN:

     His father has mellowed, too; a bad hip has softened his cough.

3. To ease or sooth someone's cough.
   • 1836, The Parterre of Poetry and Historical Romance:

     O! now, my dear Doctor, but one glass of champagne, or a wine-glass of punch to soften my cough !

   • 2003, Rosie Harris, Patsy of Paradise Place, →ISBN:

     That'll help to soften his cough. I bet that's what your mam used to do for you when you were a bit chesty?

   • 2009, Amy Boaz, A Richer Dust, →ISBN, page 230:

     I rode down the mountain to get the powder he needed to soften his cough. He said he couldn't breathe.