take the edge off
idiom
: to make (something) weaker or less severe
a medication that takes the edge off the pain
A glass of milk will take the edge off your hunger/appetite.
Examples of take the edge off in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The thunderstorms will come too late in the day to take the edge off the heat during daylight hours, National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey told the Daily News.
—
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 July 2024
In New York, that was another era, thanks to universal pre-K for 4-year-olds — a tremendous offering that helps take the edge off child-care expenses, and ensure that more kids are ready for school.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 May 2024
Thanks to the eastern outlook, the ocean-side rooms offer access to the most spectacular sunrises, which take the edge off any jet lag.
—Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 26 Feb. 2024
Here's How to Style Them MK: But people do want to have that little celebratory glass of wine or champagne, some people need to take the edge off, it shouldn’t be taken away entirely.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for take the edge off 
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 July 2024
In New York, that was another era, thanks to universal pre-K for 4-year-olds — a tremendous offering that helps take the edge off child-care expenses, and ensure that more kids are ready for school.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 May 2024
Thanks to the eastern outlook, the ocean-side rooms offer access to the most spectacular sunrises, which take the edge off any jet lag.
—Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 26 Feb. 2024
Here's How to Style Them MK: But people do want to have that little celebratory glass of wine or champagne, some people need to take the edge off, it shouldn’t be taken away entirely.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for take the edge off
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take the edge off.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near take the edge off
Cite this Entry
“Take the edge off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20edge%20off. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share