soften the ground

== English == === Alternative forms === soften up the ground === Pronunciation === === Verb === soften the ground (third-person singular simple present softens the ground, present participle softening the ground, simple past and past participle softened the ground) (idiomatic, often followed by for) To prepare or create favorable conditions (for something), especially with the intent of improving public acceptance of the forthcoming occurrence. ==== See also ==== pave the way