soft touch
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who is easily persuaded, deceived, or exploited, especially due to being overly kind, generous, or trusting.
Usage
This term is used to describe someone who can be easily convinced to give money, help, or favors, often because they are too kind-hearted to refuse. It implies a degree of vulnerability to manipulation.
Examples
- He's known as a soft touch; if you ask him for a loan, he'll almost always say yes.
- Don't be such a soft touch; you need to learn to say no to people who are just using you.
- The charity found him to be a soft touch for donations.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a soft touch for something": To be particularly susceptible or generous regarding a specific thing.
- My grandfather is a soft touch for a good sob story.
- The term can sometimes be used humorously or affectionately, not always critically.
Variants and Related Words
- Softie/Softy (noun, informal): A person who is sentimental, tender-hearted, or easily moved. While similar, a "softie" is more about emotional sensitivity, whereas a "soft touch" specifically implies a susceptibility to being taken advantage of.
Synonyms
- Pushover
- Easy mark (informal)
- Sucker (informal, derogatory)
- Gullible person
Idioms and Phrases
- An easy touch: A direct synonym, identical in meaning and usage.
- Scammers often look for an easy touch.
Noun
- a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of