To take the wind out of someone's argument or leave them stunned and surprised at the action you took. Usually used in the past tense when describing the situation to a third party.
"I'm going to give you all my work to do, that'll soften your cough"
"I got Jimmy back so good, that'll soften his cough"
"I got Jimmy back so good, that'll soften his cough"
by dueyfinster February 26, 2012