cushion
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beside the cushion
Unimportant. A digression. Oh, that's beside the cushion. Let's get back to the main topic. I do love the apartment, but that's beside the cushion because I don't have enough money for a security deposit right now. A: "Hey, we're talking about how you got caught sneaking in last night—my role in any of that is beside the cushion!" B: "I'm not so sure it is! Mom and Dad, what do you think?"
cushion the blow
To ease the pain or stress of something unpleasant. When my daughter had to get a shot at the doctor's office, I tried to cushion the blow by telling her we would go out for ice cream afterward. When you have to tell someone about the death of a loved one, there's really no way to cushion the blow. The government is introducing financial reliefs to cushion the blow to those affected by the devastating floods.
cushion the effect(s) of (something)
To ease or lessen the pain, stress, or burden of something unpleasant. These stimulus checks aim to cushion the effect of the recession on the average citizen. There's no way to cushion the effects of pain and loss when you have to tell somebody their loved one didn't make it through surgery. The government still has done nothing to cushion the effects of the devastating floods on the very people whose communities were washed away!
miss the cushion
To fail in some way. The phrase is similar in meaning and use to "miss the mark." I felt confident going into the interview, but I think I really missed the cushion, judging by the recruiter's facial expressions.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cushion/soften the ˈblow
make something unpleasant seem less unpleasant and easier to accept: When he lost his job he was offered a cash payment to soften the blow.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017