Take the edge off something
idiom
To reduce the intensity or severity of something uncomfortable.
A hot cup of tea can take the edge off your fatigue.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off the pain
- take the edge off the cold
Usage tips
Colloquial
idiom
To make a feeling, situation, or problem less extreme.
I took a little wine to take the edge off my hunger.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off hunger
- take the edge off anxiety
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To make something less harsh, difficult or unbearable.
A small raise in salary would take the edge off their financial problems.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off problems
- take the edge off the difficulty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To reduce the effects or force of something.
The medication is intended to take the edge off the pain.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off pain
- take the edge off the side effects
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To reduce the intensity or severity of something uncomfortable.
A hot cup of tea can take the edge off your fatigue.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off the pain
- take the edge off the cold
Usage tips
Colloquial
idiom
To make a feeling, situation, or problem less extreme.
I took a little wine to take the edge off my hunger.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off hunger
- take the edge off anxiety
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To make something less harsh, difficult or unbearable.
A small raise in salary would take the edge off their financial problems.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off problems
- take the edge off the difficulty
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To reduce the effects or force of something.
The medication is intended to take the edge off the pain.
Often appears as...
- take the edge off pain
- take the edge off the side effects
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Slight Relief
The phrase often implies a slight or temporary alleviation, not a complete solution.
A joke from a friend may take the edge off your anxiety for a bit.
Pro Tip 2/2Emotional Context
Useful for describing a minor improvement in mood or emotions.
Hearing her voice on the phone took the edge off his homesickness.
Pro Tip 1/2Slight Relief
The phrase often implies a slight or temporary alleviation, not a complete solution.
A joke from a friend may take the edge off your anxiety for a bit.
Pro Tip 2/2Emotional Context
Useful for describing a minor improvement in mood or emotions.
Hearing her voice on the phone took the edge off his homesickness.
Pro Tip 1/2Slight Relief
The phrase often implies a slight or temporary alleviation, not a complete solution.
A joke from a friend may take the edge off your anxiety for a bit.
Pro Tip 2/2Emotional Context
Useful for describing a minor improvement in mood or emotions.
Hearing her voice on the phone took the edge off his homesickness.
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