cushion/soften the blow

:  a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling

:  a bodily part resembling a pad

:  something resembling a cushion: such as

:  to seat or place on a cushion

:  to suppress by ignoring

:  to furnish with a cushion

:  to make soft or softer

:  to become soft or softer

:  to be in motion

:  to move with speed or force

:  to move or run quickly

:  an instance of air moving with speed or force :  a blowing of wind especially when strong or violent

:  brag, boasting

:  an act or instance of blowing (see ¹blow)

:  flower, bloom

:  blossoms

:  bloom

:  a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body (such as the fist) or with an instrument

:  a hostile act or state :  combat

:  a forcible or sudden act or effort :  assault