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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The interior temperature and humidity are monitored to take the edge off the hot, humid weather. —Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Apr. 2023

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

In a move meant to take the edge off getting summoned for jury duty, the legislature passed House Bill 2317, which ups the daily allowance from $30 to $50. —Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2023

Natural Dog Company Calming bites are designed to take the edge off your hyper, anxious, or fearful dog. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022

In a morning health supplement, such as the Wellness Tincture above, those effects serve to calm the mind to help with focus, as well as take the edge off of stress and anxiety. —Michael Wright | For Cbdfx, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 July 2022

Hoka’s Trail Code GTX utilizes a new kind of foam to take the edge off your hikes, while still staying lightweight for steady climbing. —Sunset Magazine, 17 May 2022

Fortunately, there will be a strong south breeze to help take the edge off the heat. —Dallas News, 17 May 2022

Inflation was a real problem; wages weren't rising fast enough to take the edge off; and supply-chain disruptions and delays continued to be a nuisance. —Damon Linker, The Week, 29 Apr. 2022

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