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soft on

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*soft on someone

 

1. Fig. romantically attracted to someone. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) Fred is soft on Martha, I've heard. He looked like he was getting a little soft on Sally.

2. Fig. not severe enough on someone; too easy on someone or a class of people. (*Typically: be ~; get ~; grow ~.) The judge was viewed as being too soft on drug pushers. The cops are soft on speeders in this town.

See also: on, soft

soft on something

to not oppose something strongly enough His opponents accused him of being soft on crime because he opposed the death penalty.

Usage notes: often used with crime, and often used in a political context, as in the example

See also: on, soft

soft on

1. Attracted to or emotionally involved with, as in He's been soft on Margaret for years. This usage was first recorded in 1840.

2. Not stern, lenient, especially too much so. For example, Some think the court has been soft on violent protesters. This usage was first recorded in 1883.

See also: on, soft