soft touch

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Explanation of "Soft Touch"

Definition: A "soft touch" is a noun that refers to a person who is easy to persuade or take advantage of. This person may be very kind or generous, which makes them more susceptible to being used by others.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: You can use "soft touch" when talking about someone who tends to be overly trusting or easily influenced. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person might need to be careful not to be exploited.

Example

• Simple Example: "My friend is such a soft touch; every time someone asks for money, she gives it to them without thinking."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, you might describe someone as a "soft touch" in discussions about personal relationships, business dealings, or social situations where manipulation can occur.

Word Variants

• The phrase can be adapted in different contexts, but it generally retains the same meaning. You could say "He’s a soft touch for charity," which indicates someone who is easily swayed to give to causes.

Different Meanings

While "soft touch" primarily refers to someone who is gullible, it can also describe a gentle or kind approach in other contexts. For example, someone could be described as having a "soft touch" in their teaching style, meaning they are nurturing and understanding.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "soft touch" include: - Gullible person - Easy mark - Pushover - Simpleton (though this has a more negative connotation)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There aren’t specific idioms that use "soft touch," but you might encounter phrases that relate to its meaning, such as: - "Take someone for a ride": This means to deceive or cheat someone, similar to how a "soft touch" might be exploited. - "Pull the wool over someone's eyes": This means to deceive someone, making them believe something that isn’t true, which a "soft touch" might be more likely to experience.

Conclusion

Understanding the term "soft touch" can help you describe someone who is kind-hearted but might need to be more cautious about others’ intentions.

Academic

Noun

1. a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

Synonyms

• chump
• fool
• gull
• mark
• patsy
• fall guy
• sucker
• mug