soft shell
[adjective]
Synonyms: moderate, middle-of-the-road, middle-road

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

soft-shell adjective & noun. ['sɒf(t)ʃɛl, sɒf(t)'ʃɛl] E19.
[from SOFT adjective + SHELL noun.]
A. adjective.
1. Having a soft shell. E19.
soft-shell clam a soft clam. soft-shell crab a soft crab. soft-shell turtle a turtle of the mainly freshwater family Trionychidae, having a leathery covering to the body.

2. Politics. Adopting or advocating a moderate course or policy. US. M19.
b. noun.
1. Politics. A person with moderate views. US. E19.

2. A soft-shell crab or turtle. US. M19.

■ soft-shelled adjective having a soft shell E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲