The phrase "a soft lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as journalism or writing, where it refers to a gentle or subtle introduction to a story or article.
Example: "The article began with a soft lead that gradually drew the reader into the main topic."
Alternatives: "gentle introduction" or "subtle opening".
A soft lead pencil was used to mark the stripes, which were painted lightest colors first.
It would be unwise to grant him a soft lead on a track that suits front-runners.
He said: "Unless I'm reading it wrong the winner's got into a soft lead and set his own fractions and stolen a march on them.
He will be vulnerable if something is allowed a soft lead but his finishing effort should otherwise make him a threat to all.
The solution was found by Claude-Étienne Minié of France, who in 1849 developed a soft lead bullet with a cavity in its base into which a conical plug was fitted.
It proved timely, as the pattern was of Aidan O'Brien-trained front-runners getting a soft lead on fast ground and just keeping on to the line, as Treasure Beach did this year.
It often needs sharpening, but that's the price you pay for a softer lead.
So an effort was made to solve the problem by supplying the collating department with No. 1 pencils, which have a softer lead than the standard test-taking No. 2 pencils and therefore make a darker impression.
If you are drawing, you might outline with a harder lead, then darken and shade with a softer lead.
I knew I was to be the fall guy because those piloting the Alan Titchmarsh Show social media vehicles had tweeted a link to Facebook that started: "Cyclists – do you find them as annoying as a wasp at a picnic and think they should all be banned?" This was quickly pulled and replaced with a softer lead-in but, clearly, I was to be the wasp at the Titchmarsh picnic.
Put the halter on, then clip a long soft lead rope to the halter.
