It would soften the boy up for the final agreement.

Then, when I was softened up, she took me outside onto the terrace.

And what if the plan was to soften man up before invasion?

"Two years of experience have shown that we will not be softened up in this way," he said.

He was beginning to wonder if they weren't already softening him up for some kind of a change.

I'm thinking you could try to talk to the dean or someone, soften them up a little.

And you don't think any one else had softened him up?

The rain softened them up but you can't help mother nature.

This could be what the other problems were softening us up for.

I can see what they mean about women softening you up.