a soft spot

a soft spot

A particular fondness or affection for someone or something, often for reasons that hard to understand or articulate. I've always had a soft spot for cheesy action films—there's just an earnest goofiness about them that I like. Despite how troublesome he could be, the teacher had a soft spot for Daniel.
See also: soft, spot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

soft spot

1. A weak or vulnerable point, as in That's the soft spot in his argument. [Mid-1900s]
2. have a soft spot for. Have a tender or sentimental feeling for, as in Grandpa had a soft spot for Brian, his first grandson. This expression, first recorded in 1753 as "a soft place in one's heart," uses soft in the sense of "tender."
See also: soft, spot
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
If we ever wonder why, the answer would be: because God has a soft spot in His heart for man.
It's so wonderful to think how God has a soft spot for our nature, that He couldn't resist becoming like man, experiencing man and interacting with men.
When we are moved to see how our Lord will never shun our moments of conversion, should we not be more determined to also have a soft spot in our hearts for Jesus?
May we therefore learn to always nurture a soft spot for Jesus in our hearts.
Soft Jesus
In the dining area, for example, theatrical barn-door lights drop a soft spot of light onto each table, illuminating parties of diners, while bubbles of light sparkle in the darkness overhead.
Design team produces rare treat at new steakhouse
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