Have a Soft Spot for Someone — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

A special fondness for someone or something, often for no clear reason.

When you have a soft spot for someone, you treat them more gently than you treat others.

Most people admit to it more often than they hide it.

Use it when…

When someone is treated more gently than others
When affection outweighs a person's obvious faults
When you admit a bias you can't quite justify

Don’t confuse with...

"A Blind Spot"

—

A weakness you genuinely can't see

"A Soft Touch"

—

Someone easily persuaded by anyone

"Have a Soft Spot for Someone"

—

Fondness that makes you go easy on someone

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Have a Soft Spot for Someone" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Management

Colleagues noticed the director had a soft spot for the graduate scheme he had once joined himself.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

Everyone knows their grandmother has a soft spot for the youngest cousin and nobody minds.

Media & Everyday Life

Interviews

The actor admitted she still has a soft spot for the first film she made, flaws and all.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Have a Soft Spot for Someone" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Giving feedback

Colleague

You went easy on that proposal compared to the others.

You

I have a soft spot for small teams. Score it again without me.

Relationships

Talking to partner

Partner

Why do we keep going back to that awful restaurant?

You

I have a soft spot for it. We had our first date in that corner booth.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

Everyone says that band's early albums are unlistenable.

You

They're not wrong, and I still have a soft spot for the first one.

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Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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