ワンクッション

noun

buffer; something to soften the blow

Wasei-eigo from 'one cushion'; used for an intermediate step, person, or thing that reduces direct impact or confrontation.

wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from one cushion

• 直ちょく接せつ言いうと角かどが立たつから、ワンクッション置おいて伝つたえたほうがいいよ。

  If you say it directly it might cause friction, so it's better to put a buffer in between when you tell them.

• 上じょう司しに話はなす前まえに、先せん輩ぱいにワンクッションになってもらった。

  Before talking to the boss, I had a senior colleague act as a buffer.