a position or policy, as in politics, that is moderate and flexible
Derived forms
soft-line
adjective
soft-liner
noun
Word origin
[1965–70]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Coriolis effect, double-book, overdub, red-eye, stun gun
Examples of 'soft line' in a sentence
soft line
Others take a softer line.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And he abandoned his usual grumpy style, taking a soft line with her.
The Sun (2009)
There is no soft line here.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The disclosure explains the apparently 'soft' line of questioning during the hearing and why there were relatively few revelations.