soften (someone/something) up

to weaken someone or something.

Constant bombing was designed to soften the enemy up and weaken him.

The ads were just a way to soften up public opinion to accept a big price increase.

• in so many words
• in someone's eyes
• in someone's glory
• in someone's good graces
• in someone's hour of need
• in someone's midst
• in someone's name
• in someone's pocket
• in someone's shadow
• in someone's shoes
• in someone's stead
• in someone's way
• in something's glory
• in something's shadow
• in something's stead
• in spades
• in spite of
• in spite of something
• in spitting distance
• in stead
• in step with
• in step with someone
• in step with something
• in stitches
• in stockinged feet