cushion/soften the blow

idiom

: to make one's disappointment less painful

She was disappointed not to get the job, but the promise of another job cushioned/softened the blow.

Examples of cushion/soften the blow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Perhaps alterations to conventional work weeks of being shortened to just a few hours per week will occur, trying to soften the blow and distribute out employment. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 But the Rockets need to fill holes in their rebounding and shooting department while Smith is out and in a vacuum, Whitmore should be able to soften the blow. —

Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 South Korea’s steps to distance itself from the Chinese economy could soften the blow, however. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 After all, the former president threw $28 billion in aid at growers to cushion the blow of his trade war. —

Isis Almeida, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cushion/soften the blow

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cushion/soften the blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cushion%2Fsoften%20the%20blow. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Copy Citation