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
My psychiatrist increased my SSRI and prescribed Klonopin to help take the edge off during the tapering period.
—
Cristina Tudino, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Nicole Issa, PsyD and founder of PVD Psychological Associates, says that kids’ birthday parties can be chaotic, and having adult beverages can take the edge off and reduce everyone’s stress level.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
See you next week, Alex and Zoya Featured Story
Edible Arrangements Can Now Get You High—On Edibles
Looking to take the edge off but a basket of fruits won’t quite do the trick?
—Alexandra York, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Emperor king beds, walk-in wardrobes, and for those few without an ocean view, an outdoor shower to take the edge off.
—Giles Hattersley, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take the edge off
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cristina Tudino, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Nicole Issa, PsyD and founder of PVD Psychological Associates, says that kids’ birthday parties can be chaotic, and having adult beverages can take the edge off and reduce everyone’s stress level.
—Taylor Grothe, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
See you next week, Alex and Zoya Featured Story
Edible Arrangements Can Now Get You High—On Edibles
Looking to take the edge off but a basket of fruits won’t quite do the trick?
—Alexandra York, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Emperor king beds, walk-in wardrobes, and for those few without an ocean view, an outdoor shower to take the edge off.
—Giles Hattersley, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share