soften someone's cough

Definitions

1. 1

   To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.

   • '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.
   • Let me fill you in on a few minor details that may soften your cough.
   • 'Everyone knows this place is an obvious front,' I go. 'You're laundering the moo you stashed in Andorra.' That softens his cough.
2. 2

   To humble or humiliate

   To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place.

   • 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.
   • 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.
   • His father has mellowed, too; a bad hip has softened his cough.
3. 3

   To ease or sooth someone's cough.

   • O! now, my dear Doctor, but one glass of champagne, or a wine-glass of punch to soften my cough !
   • 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?
   • I rode down the mountain to get the powder he needed to soften his cough. He said he couldn't breathe.

The neighborhood