soap

Definition

  • noun: a substance that is used for washing something
  • noun: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids
  • verb: to rub soap over or into (someone or something)
  • verb: to rub soap over or into
  • often + 'up'
  • synonyms: flatter, wheedle, soft-pedal

Examples

  • My life is a 'soap opera'. [=my life has a lot of dramatic events and problems like the ones that occur in soap operas]

  • The store sells many different brands of liquid/hand/antibacterial 'soaps'.

  • Make sure you use 'soap' and water to wash your hands.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Improvise. I'll do my best, sir. Thank you, sir. You're human, Charlie. Beer? Who are we drinking with? I'm getting a nice soap-and-water feeling from down there. A female. "Female"? You callin' her female must mean you like her or you wouldn't be so casual. (..)
    1992 Scent of a Woman
  • (..) He said the same thing. He just said it over. You know what he's doing? He's good-cop, bad-coppin' us. He knows I'm old guard. You're fringe. He's gonna bear down on me and soft-soap you. (LAUGHING) Did he try to soft-soap you? Did he? No. Chas, l detect a slight panic pulse from you. (..)
    1992 Scent of a Woman