soft spot

Late 18th c.[1]

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /sɒft spɒt/
  • (Conservative RP) IPA^(key): /sɔːft spɒt/
• (General American) enPR: sôft, IPA^(key): /sɔft spɑt/
• (cot–caught merger, Canada) IPA^(key): /sɑft spɑt/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /sɔft spɔt/

  • Audio (AU)

    (file)

soft spot (plural soft spots)

1. (idiomatic) A sentimental fondness or affection.

   Synonym: (Indian English) soft corner

   • 1977, David Byrne (lyrics and music), “The Book I Read”, in Talking Heads: 77, performed by Talking Heads:

     I'm embarrassed to admit it hit the soft spot in my heart / When I found out you wrote the book I read

   • 2011 December 15, Felicity Cloake, “How to cook the perfect nut roast”, in Guardian‎:

     But although I happen to have a soft spot for nut roast – an option often preferable to the meat that emerged from the school kitchen – it seems I'm in a cranky minority.

2. A point of vulnerability in a defence.

   Synonym: weak spot

3. A fontanelle.

• soft tops