comfort · break · pad · absorb · dampen · soothe · sugar-coat · let down easy · brace · prepare · warning · gradual · mercy · kindness · tact · diplomacy · pillow · landing
softens the blowrubs salt in the wound
Intensifies an injury
twists the knife · adds insult to injury · piles on · doubles down · makes matters worse
IDEA.org / Words / softens the blow
Related — cushion (Stuffed fabric for comfort); ease (Lack of strain); lessen (Reduce in degree); buffer · gentle · comfort · break · pad · absorb · dampen · soothe · sugar-coat · let down easy
impact mitigationsoftens the blow ≠ rubs salt in the wound Intensifies an injury; twists the knife · adds insult to injury · piles on · doubles down · makes matters worse
COMMUNICATION STYLEsoftens the blow ≠ lays it on thick Exaggerates praise or emotion; tells it like it is · blindsides
directness of deliverysoftens the blow ≠ tells it like it is Speaks with brutal candor; brutal honesty · blunt force · cuts to the chase
Word data: Linguabase (CC0) · www.idea.org/words/softens_the_blow