take the edge off
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Britain, which has seen four prime ministers in as many years, the familiar taste of anchovies blended with butter and peppers helps take the edge off.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
A decline in inflation expectations tends to be associated with the possibility of a weaker economy, which would theoretically take the edge off price pressures.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 17, 2025
To come in and just, like you said, take the edge off and get to laugh a little bit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2025
She rode in the motorcade that took Malia and Sasha to school, to take the edge off the trip that involved three cars and at least four armed security agents.
From BBC ● May 31, 2024
“Not funny,” said Constance, but the joke did take the edge off her fury, and she said no more.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
