be soft

1. To be overly lenient, easily manipulated, or apathetic. The new boss is totally soft. It should be easy to convince him we need extra development time. You can't be soft with these kids. They need discipline, or they'll walk all over you! Don't be soft now. These criminals deserve to be punished to the full extent of the law.

2. To lack strength or determination. You used to be the toughest sheriff this town has ever had, but you're soft now in your old age. You can't be soft if you want to succeed in this industry. You have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to get ahead. I can't believe you're just going to give up! I've never known you to be soft like that.