sop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sop" is correct and usable in written English, though it may depend on context.
It can be used to refer to a piece of bread or food that is soaked in liquid, or metaphorically, to describe something that is given to appease or placate someone. Example: "He took a piece of bread and used it to sop up the delicious sauce left on his plate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though included in the 1964 cabinet as leader of the Lords, Longford knew he was only there as a sop to the Gaitskellites.

The Guardian

Guru-Murthy begins smoothly enough, neatly juggling news needs and promotional sop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Attention has focused on his brief to scrap the Human Rights Act, which some suspect was a Conservative manifesto sop for the right to be negotiated away in coalition deals.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a sop, the government says that public-sector wages will go up by as much as 70%.Mr Kuchma and his allies may reckon that they have been too lenient.

The Economist

Similarly, this year's "economic stimulus package" was less an effective tool of economic policy than a sop to corporate America.

The Economist

As a sop to shareholders, Harley could slash its research-and-development budget and other investment, and launch a much bigger share buy-back programme.

The Economist

As a sop to critics, a rule obliges clubs to field a minimum of French players.

The Economist

Kurdish hardliners scoff that the new channel is a cynical sop to the country's 14m-odd Kurds before local elections in March.

The Economist

The provisions on oil drilling in Alaska are probably too controversial to pass, but support for a natural-gas pipeline may be thrown in as a sop to the state instead.

The Economist

And as a sop to Shas, a religious party that is another needed partner in his coalition, Mr Netanyahu has reversed some of the cuts in child allowances he himself imposed as finance minister four years ago.

The Economist

To appease another Arab heavyweight, Egypt, Iraq signed a long-delayed deal to hand over $408m to Egyptian workers who were owed back-pay when they fled Iraq in 1990 as its tanks rolled into Kuwait.In a further sop to its Arab neighbours, Iraq has taken steps away from its close ally Iran.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sop", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. It often implies a concession made to appease someone, so make sure that aligns with your message.

Common error

Avoid using "sop" when a genuine, substantial solution is intended. "Sop" often suggests a superficial or inadequate attempt to address a problem, which can undermine your credibility if a more meaningful action is needed.

Linguistic Context

The term "sop" primarily functions as a noun, referring to something given or done to pacify or bribe. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "sop" is used in this context, especially in political and economic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sop" is a frequently used noun that refers to something given to appease or pacify, often with the implication that the offering is superficial or inadequate. It's commonly found in news and business contexts, with sources like The Economist and The Guardian frequently employing the term. Ludwig provides many real-world examples highlighting this usage. Alternatives include "conciliatory gesture" and "appeasement measure", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Use "sop" when you want to critique actions meant to pacify without addressing root issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conciliatory gesture

Focuses on the act of reconciliation through a specific action, emphasizing intent.

placatory offering

Highlights the act of offering something to calm or satisfy someone, adding a formal tone.

appeasement measure

Emphasizes the attempt to pacify by meeting demands, often implying a strategic or political context.

peace offering

Implies restoring harmony through a gift or concession, directly suggesting reconciliation.

concession

Highlights yielding a point or demand, often in a negotiation or dispute.

token gesture

Implies that the action is symbolic and may not have substantial impact.

sweetener

Describes something added to make a deal or situation more attractive.

bribe

Refers to something offered to corruptly influence someone's actions or decisions, carrying a negative connotation.

pacifier

Highlights the action of calming or soothing someone, typically in a temporary way.

reward

Indicates something given in recognition of merit or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "sop" in a sentence?

You can use "sop" to describe something given to appease or pacify someone. For example, "The government offered a small tax break as a "sop" to the disgruntled voters".

What can I say instead of "sop"?

You can use alternatives like "conciliatory gesture", "placatory offering", or "appeasement measure" depending on the context.

Is "sop" always a negative term?

While "sop" often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the offering is insufficient or insincere, it is not always inherently negative. The context determines whether it's perceived as genuine appeasement or a cynical ploy.

What's the difference between "sop" and "concession"?

"Sop" typically refers to a small offering given to appease someone, whereas "concession" implies a more significant yielding of a point or demand in a negotiation or dispute. A "sop" might be a minor element within a larger concession.