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
When Bo later offers him a hit of a joint over at Tanya’s, the temptation to take the edge off his angst is too great.
—
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
Alas, although these feel-good foods can sometimes take the edge off a migraine, chocolate is rarely potent enough to stop migraine in its tracks.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
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 All Example Sentences for take the edge off
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
Alas, although these feel-good foods can sometimes take the edge off a migraine, chocolate is rarely potent enough to stop migraine in its tracks.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
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 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 23 May. 2025.
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