Crossword Genius

Gentle persuasion something that’s comfortable for prisoner in hearing? (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soft sell

'gentle persuasion' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for soft sell that I've seen before include "Gentle persuasion" , "Subtly persuasive sales technique" , "persuasive tactics" , "Gently persuasive marketing" , "Subtly persuasive form of marketing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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