soften up

US /ˈsɑːf.ən ʌp/

UK /ˈsɑːf.ən ʌp/

软化, 使态度缓和, 使心软

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.

他试图在要求加薪前软化老板的态度。

•

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

一点奉承常常能软化最严厉的批评家。

软化, 使变软

to make something less hard or firm

•

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

你需要揉面团，以便在烘烤前将其软化。

•

The rain helped to soften up the dry ground.

雨水有助于软化干燥的地面。