Tā bù xiǎng zhíjiē jùjué, jiù gěile tā yí ge ruǎndīngzi.
Not wanting to say no outright, she gave him a soft rebuff.
Tips
usage
Typically paired with 碰 (碰钉子 = to hit a nail, i.e. be rejected). 软钉子 is the face-saving version: the message still hurts, but it's wrapped in politeness. Contrast 硬钉子 for a blunt refusal.
