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3. cushion the blow

cushion the blow

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cushion the blow

to do something that reduces harm The way to cushion the blow is to raise prices slowly, not all at once.

Etymology: from the idea of making the force of one thing hitting another less damaging by surrounding it with something soft

See also: blow, cushion

cushion/soften the blow

to make a difficult experience less unpleasant Free street parking is to be abolished, but residents are being offered reduced price parking permits in an attempt to cushion the blow.

See strike a blow for, blow up in face, blow a hole in, blast to kingdom come, blow the lid off, blow own trumpet, blow a raspberry, blow socks off, let off steam

See also: blow, cushion