Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
soften someone's cough en · VERB
Meanings
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(Ireland, idiomatic) To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.
'Everyone knows this place is an obvious front,' I go. 'You're laundering the moo you stashed in Andorra.' That softens his cough.
2010, Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, The Oh My God Delusion, →ISBN:'Ha! That's softened your cough. Now, we'll waste no more time out here gabbing,' and that leather, hobgoblin face became very, very businesslike.
2004, Edmund Powers, The Last Chapter, →ISBN, page 183:Let me fill you in on a few minor details that may soften your cough.
2009, Terry Wogan, Where Was I?!: The World According to Wogan, →ISBN:
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(Ireland, idiomatic) To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place.
That's one thundering snotty bitch!” “Yeah,” Hanly said as he started the engine. “Thinks she's Marie Antoinette or some other high and mighty queen. I know it would only be a fine but it might just soften her cough a bit.
2014, JP Burke, Perfumed Cargo, →ISBN, page 52:His father has mellowed, too; a bad hip has softened his cough.
2016, Mary Morrissy, Prosperity Drive, →ISBN:Because this was blameless Mike's third such 'surprise', Justice Carmel Healy decided she'd soften his cough by sticking him inside for a few months.
2012, Arlene Hunt, Blood Money, →ISBN:
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(Ireland) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see soften, cough.
O! now, my dear Doctor, but one glass of champagne, or a wine-glass of punch to soften my cough !
1836, The Parterre of Poetry and Historical Romance:That'll help to soften his cough. I bet that's what your mam used to do for you when you were a bit chesty?
2003, Rosie Harris, Patsy of Paradise Place, →ISBN:I rode down the mountain to get the powder he needed to soften his cough. He said he couldn't breathe.
2009, Amy Boaz, A Richer Dust, →ISBN, page 230:
Forms