soft touch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, somewhat colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “soft touch” mean?
A person who is easily persuaded or exploited, especially to give or lend money.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is easily persuaded or exploited, especially to give or lend money.
Something that is easily achieved, manipulated, or won; a task, opponent, or situation that presents little difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, but widely understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, implies a degree of weakness or lack of resolve. In American business contexts, can imply an easy target for a deal.
Frequency
Moderately common in informal speech and journalism in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “soft touch” in a Sentence
[BE verb] a soft touch[BE verb] a soft touch for [noun/gerund]have a reputation as a soft touchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soft touch” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The landlord's a bit of a soft touch if you're late with the rent.
- In the first round of the cup, they were a soft touch.
American English
- Don't go to Dad for money, he's no soft touch.
- The new defence was a soft touch for the opposing offence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid being seen as a soft touch in negotiations.
Academic
Rare. May appear in sociological texts discussing charity or social dynamics.
Everyday
My uncle's a soft touch – he always gives me a tenner when I visit.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soft touch”
- Using it as an adjective (*He is very soft touch). Correct: He is a soft touch.
- Confusing with 'soft spot (for)', which implies affection, not exploitation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It usually implies gullibility or being too easily persuaded. Calling someone a 'soft touch' is rarely a compliment on their generosity.
It can be, depending on context. It suggests they lack the strength to say 'no', which can be patronising or insulting.
Yes, in extended use. For example, 'That exam was a soft touch' means it was very easy.
'Easy-going' describes a relaxed personality. 'Soft touch' is specifically about being easily exploited, especially for money or favours.
A person who is easily persuaded or exploited, especially to give or lend money.
Soft touch is usually informal, somewhat colloquial. in register.
Soft touch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɒft ˈtʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɔːft ˈtʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a soft touch for a sob story.”
- “Don't be a soft touch!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine touching a very soft pillow – it gives way easily. A 'soft touch' is a person who 'gives way' easily to requests.
Conceptual Metaphor
FIRMNESS IS HARDNESS / WEAKNESS IS SOFTNESS. A person's character is conceptualised as a physical texture.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best describes a 'soft touch'?