soft touch, a
Definition: A person who is easily imposed upon, especially to give or lend money. The term gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression. It was notably used in John O’Hara’s “Pal Joey” (1940): “You get the reputation of being a soft touch.”
Related Terms:
- Push-over
- Easy mark
- Good Samaritan (though more positively nuanced)
- Kind-hearted
- Gullible
- Sucker (in a more negative light of deception)
Antonyms:
- Shrewd
- Hard-nosed
- Cynical
- Gruff
- Unsympathetic
Humor-filled Quote:
“I once lent money to a ‘Soft Touch,’ but only because my wallet wanted to save weight. Now it’s fit and healthy from all the exercise of running away from me.” – L. O. L. Writerson
Proverb:
“A soft heart will always find a way to give.”
Similar Expressions:
- “Soft-hearted”
- “Golden-hearted”
- “Easy target”
Inspirational Turn of Phrase:
“While being a soft touch might open you up to some losses, it also opens the way for genuine connections and unexpected kindness.”
In Literature:
- “Pal Joey” by John O’Hara
- “Of Human Bondage” by W. Somerset Maugham
- Character archetypes: Uncle Billy from “It’s A Wonderful Life”
In Music:
- “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
In Movies:
- “Pay It Forward” directed by Mimi Leder
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” directed by Frank Capra
- “Up” directed by Pete Docter
### Which of these is a genuine synonym for "a soft touch"?
- [x] Push-over
- [ ] Bulldozer
- [ ] Iceberg
- [ ] Tin Man
> **Explanation:** "Push-over" smoothly aligns with the idea of a "soft touch," implying someone who is easy to influence or convince. The others? Not so much!
### Which fictional character can be described as "a soft touch"?
- [x] Uncle Billy from “It's A Wonderful Life”
- [ ] Darth Vader from “Star Wars”
- [ ] Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada”
- [ ] Hannibal Lecter from "The Silence of the Lambs"
> **Explanation:** Uncle Billy is the quintessential "soft touch" with his kind-hearted, but often misguided, generosity.
### True or False: 'A soft touch' suggests a person who is easily manipulated.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** That's a fact! Calling someone "a soft touch" often means they are easy to take advantage of, especially when it comes to lending money or helping out.
### Which of these songs would NOT be associated with “a soft touch”?
- [ ] “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
- [ ] “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
- [x] “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
- [ ] “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles
> **Explanation:** “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits doesn’t relate to the kind-hearted or easily imposed-on sentiments of someone who is a "soft touch".
## Thought-Provoking Farewell
**Always remember,** while it's wonderful to have a kind heart and to help others, wisdom and self-care should be part of your inner toolkit. Being aware doesn't make you hard-hearted; it just makes your kindness more sustainable.
– 📖 E. L. Engaging, 2023
