soft spotn.
/ˈsɒf(t) spɒt/, U.S. /ˈsɔf(t) ˌspɑt/, /ˈsɑf(t) ˌspɑt/ 1. A weak point, a vulnerability, esp. one which can be exploited by an enemy or opponent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > [noun] > liability to harm, loss, etc. > vulnerable part, thing, or person
gap1548
weak link1581
subjecta1593
sitting1618
blota1657
soft spot1770
Achilles heel1839
sick man1853
soft underbelly1942
1770 T. Bridges Burlesque Transl. Homer II. xi. 204 The wary Greek upon his crown 'Spy'd a soft spot, so knock'd him down.
1845 J. J. Hooper Some Adventures Capt. Simon Suggs i. 12 He possesses..that tact which enables man to detect the soft spots in his fellow.
1856 R. Mallett On Physical Conditions involved in Constr. Artillery v. 21 Every mortar has got a ‘soft spot’, just at the bottom of the chamber, and extending downwards from it in the line of the axis.
1956 A. L. Rowse Early Churchills 239 Marlborough was all for an assault on these [fortifications]; he had proved and found a soft spot opposite Ramillies.
1958 Engineering 21 Mar. 361/1 Even if the country as a whole was in the best of economic health, the local soft spots could not be ignored without serious political repercussions.
1975 Times Lit. Suppl. 17 Oct. 1233/3 There is probably much truth in Mr Levison's analysis.., but his obvious sincerity and dedication mask a few soft spots in the argument.
2008 H. Holzer Lincoln President-Elect 1 The ‘Great Secession Winter of 1860–1861’ has often been regarded..as Abraham Lincoln's historical Achilles' heel—the vulnerable soft spot, in an otherwise sterling reputation.
2. A degree of kindness, tenderness, or sympathetic feeling in a person. Frequently specified as a place in a person's heart. Now chiefly in to have a soft spot for at Phrases.
ΚΠ
1803 G. Culley Let. 20 Jan. in M. Culley & G. Culley Farming Lett. (2006) 405 My brother often used to say ‘I had a soft spot in me’.
1857 C. M. Yonge Dynevor Terrace I. xi. 160 Jane has a soft spot in her heart, and will not think true love is confined within the rank that keeps a gig.
1885 Cent. Mag. 30 380/2 [He] had rather a soft spot in his heart for Violet.
1940 M. Walker Brewers' Big Horses ii. vii. 240 People say he's hard, but he has his soft spots.
2001 M. W. Musalia Archbishop Manasses Kuria 111 The poor, especially the street families, had occupied a soft spot in his heart as he served as a minister.
Phrases
to have a soft spot for: to have a fondness for, feel affection towards.
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the mind > emotion > love > affection > [verb (transitive)]
gleima1387
carea1533
affectiona1545
affect?a1550
affectionate1565
to have a soft spot for1866
1866 U.S. Service Mag. Jan. 43 Favored by the Admiral, who always has a soft spot for ‘regulars’, I was billeted with Captain James Alden.
1902 Westm. Gaz. 12 July 10/1 Lord Kitchener has a particularly soft spot for pets.
1947 K. Tennant Lost Haven i. 24 She always did have a soft spot for him.
1971 New Scientist 13 May 400/1 He won a scholarship advertised in New Scientist and has had a soft spot for the magazine ever since.
2005 J. M. Coetzee Slow Man xviii. 132 In the time your mother has worked here I have developed a soft spot for her.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1770