soften up

US /ˈsɑːf.ən ʌp/

UK /ˈsɑːf.ən ʌp/

1.

to make someone feel more friendly, less angry, or more willing to help

:

•

He tried to soften up the boss before asking for a raise.

•

A little flattery can often soften up even the toughest critics.

:

mollify appease conciliate pacify placate

2.

to make something less hard or firm

:

•

You need to knead the dough to soften it up before baking.

•

The rain helped to soften up the dry ground.

:

soften tenderize relax loosen

:

water softener on the up and up up up to come up with follow up keep up with