take the edge off

Idioms  

1. Ease or assuage, make less severe, as in That snack took the edge off our hunger, or Her kind manner took the edge off her refusal. This term alludes to blunting the edge of a cutting instrument. Shakespeare used it figuratively in The Tempest (4:1): “To take away the edge of that day's celebration.” The precise wording of the idiom dates from the first half of the 1900s.

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Example Sentences

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

But, while feeling less alone with your Face Hate might take the edge off, you still may be cringing at your reflection.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023

A couple of days before the 24th, not knowing what might happen of course, I asked my friend to take a picture of me with the decorations - to take the edge off.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2023

Not enough to show, only enough to take the edge off the circles under my sleepless eyes.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• abate
• curtail
• decrease
• dilute
• diminish
• dwindle
• ease
• erode
• impair
• lighten
• minimize
• mitigate
• narrow
• shrink
• slacken
• weaken