THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Have a soft spot for
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To feel a special affection or strong liking for someone or something.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I have a soft spot for the little bookshop where I bought my first novel.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I ________ the little bookshop where I bought my first novel.
Show the answer
Have a soft spot for — To feel a special affection or strong liking for someone or something.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Have a soft spot for” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To feel a special affection or strong liking for someone or something.
Compare: I have a soft spot for the little bookshop where I bought my first novel.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it warmly in conversation when a person, place or thing has a special place in your feelings.
More examples in context
- Our teacher has a soft spot for shy students who try hard.
- She has always had a soft spot for old railway stations.
Usage note
Use for after soft spot. It expresses affection, not necessarily romantic love or a physical weakness.
A short conversation
A: Why do you still visit that small café?
B: I have a soft spot for it. I used to meet my friends there after class.
A: That is a lovely connection.
One more practice question
If you have a soft spot for a place, how do you feel about it?
A. You feel particular affection for it.
B. You strongly dislike it.
Check your answer
A. A soft spot is a special fondness.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.