Meaning of "Soft spot"

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/inter-48 “Speaking 5 (The Wedding)”, question 6

The teachers had a … spot for them too and were sympathetic if there was any trouble between them.

(a) gentle
(b) simple
(c) soft
(d) quiet

Test No. [color=blue]incompl/inter-48 “Speaking 5 (The Wedding)”, answer 6

The teachers had a soft spot for them too and were sympathetic if there was any trouble between them.

Correct answer: (c) soft
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Hi everybody! I’v met ‘soft spot’. What is it?
Explain, please
Many thanks
Terminator :evil:

2

Hi Terminator,

Thanks for your question. The expression ‘have a soft spot for’ means to be sympathetic towards someone/ to be fond of. This is usually used in contrast to what other people think of someone. For example you might be discussing a certain personality/well known person and everybody is saying that they don’t like this person. You on the other hand want to support him/her and you would say: ‘Oh I’ve always liked him/her and have always had a soft spot for him/her.’

Hope this helps

Alan

3

Hi Alan, thank you.
Terminator :evil:

4

Hi,

Should I understand here that ‘be sympathetic’ takes an objective clause ‘if…’?

haiaho

5

Hi Haihao

The sentence is a “zero conditional” and refers to the past.

Present:

  • The teachers are sympathetic if (when) there is any trouble.
    Past:
  • The teachers were sympathetic if (when) there was any trouble.

Amy