Definition: "Soft-cover" (also spelled "softcover") is a noun that refers to a type of book that has flexible paper covers instead of hard, stiff covers. Soft-cover books are usually lighter and less expensive than hard-cover books.
In a more advanced context, you might encounter discussions about the publishing industry, where "soft-cover" could be compared with "hard-cover" books concerning their market appeal and distribution.
In some contexts, "soft-cover" can also refer to other items that have a flexible cover, like notebooks or binders, but it is primarily used for books.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "soft-cover," but you might encounter phrases like "judge a book by its cover," which means to form an opinion about something based solely on its appearance.
In summary, "soft-cover" refers to books with flexible paper covers, making them lightweight and often more affordable than their hard-cover counterparts.