Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
soften the edges
English answer:
to make the edges merge gradually with their surroundings
Added to glossary by
literary
Jul 7, 2007 15:56
16 yrs ago
1 viewer *
English term
soften the edges
English
Art/Literary
Poetry & Literature
Metaphorically. In the description of an empty square, where there were no trees to "soften the edges".
Sometimes I've read about "the edges of the soul".
Sometimes I've read about "the edges of the soul".
Responses
+10
3 mins
Jack Doughty
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
&
English
Specializes in field
United Kingdom
Translator since 1953
Native in: English
Works in: Russian to English, German to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
518
Selected
to make the edges merge gradually with their surroundings
I don't think I would describe this as metaphorical. Thress at the edges of the square make the square blend in gradually with its surroundings, rather than having a sharply defined outline.
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Note added at 1 day19 mins (2007-07-08 16:15:58 GMT) Post-grading
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Typo: Trees, not Thress.
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Note added at 1 day19 mins (2007-07-08 16:15:58 GMT) Post-grading
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Typo: Trees, not Thress.
Peer comment(s):
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RHELLER
3 mins
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Melzie
19 mins
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Suzan Hamer
25 mins
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CJG (X)
: yes, or blend with the surroundings?
1 hr
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Tony M
: Yes, to make the straight lines less obvious
1 hr
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JaneTranslates
: Rita and Mimoza are both right, too, but your answer is so charmingly visual.
2 hrs
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Mark Nathan
2 hrs
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Empty Whiskey Glass
3 hrs
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Elena Aleksandrova
3 hrs
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inmb
4 hrs
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "The stuff that dreams are made of!"
6 mins
very harsh looking, unbordered square
that probably does not seem to fit in with its surroundings (not likely connected to the soul - but that would depend on the rest of your text)
8 mins
TrueBaller
Specializes in field
Professional accuracy and dedication
Native in: Albanian 
Works in: Albanian to English, English to Albanian, Albanian, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
16
to make it look more pleasant
"to soften the edges of something" means to make something unpleasant look less unpleasant and easier to like or accept. In this context some trees would have made the square look a more pleasant place.
Discussion