soften someone's cough

Verb

soften someone's cough (third-person singular simple present softens someone's cough, present participle softening someone's cough, simple past and past participle softened someone's cough)

1. (Ireland, idiomatic) To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.
   • '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
2. (Ireland, idiomatic) To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place.
   • 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
   • 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
3. (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