soften someone's cough

verb2

1. •
   (Ireland) To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.

   • 'Ha! That's softened your cough. Now, we'll waste no more time out here gabbing,' and that leather, hobgoblin face became very, very businesslike. — 2004
2. •
   (Ireland) To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place.

   • Because this was blameless Mike's third such 'surprise', Justice Carmel Healy decided she'd soften his cough by sticking him inside for a few months. — 2012