soften

Of course, the prospect of leaving next season on a free transfer, and the lucrative wealth that accompanies that scenario, will soften the blow.

It’s reasonable to think that the president’s God and heaven talk is an attempt to soften his cruel image and to make his vengeful policies more palatable.

Arriving Thursday on Netflix, the film version — not the miniseries some hoped for — offers a more or less straight plow through the book, though streamlined, simplified and softened.

But spurring long-pending tax reforms that immediately put more money into the hands of people could help the government soften some of the blow, experts say.

A splash of cream softened everything into a pale, velvety sauce, and a grating of parmesan and lemon zest nudged it toward something bright and indulgent.