A possible course of action that does not require as much effort, hardship, or unpleasantness compared to the alternative(s). The government is trying to find a soft option on tax reform that won't drive away businesses but won't cost the state billions in lost revenue each year. I think he decided to stay in his job because it was the soft option—it was safe, secure, and he knew how to do it, even if he was bored stiff.

A less strenuous, less risky, or less difficult way of doing something; a means of doing something that avoids effort or difficulty. Even though my dad had always wanted to be a cartoonist, he took the soft option and got an office job so he'd have a secure income for the family.