pushover, recalibrate

The next ten weeks give Mr Obama a chance to recalibrate the rest of the world’s hopes. He could use part of his transition to tour the world, certainly listening to friends and rivals alike but also gently making clear the limits of his presidency. He needs to explain that, although his America will respect human rights and pay more heed to the advice of others, it will not be a pushover: he must avoid the fate of Jimmy Carter, a moralising president who made the superpower look weak.

Definition

pushover Show phonetics
noun [C usually singular] INFORMAL
something that is easy to do or to win, or someone who is easily persuaded or influenced or defeated:
The interview was an absolute pushover.
Jean will look after Harry, I'm quite sure - she's a pushover for (= is easily persuaded to do things for) babies.

push・over

〔話〕 （普通a ～） 楽な［やさしい］仕事; （試合で）弱い相手.
⇒push