taken the edge off
Reduced the sharpness
To take the edge off something is to dull or reduce its intensity, making it more bearable.
A drink might take the edge off anxiety; a snack takes the edge off hunger without fully satisfying it.
The ibuprofen had taken the edge off, but the pain was still there.
The phrase suggests partial relief rather than complete elimination.
- softenMake less firm
- painkillerMedication reducing discomfort
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- temperState of mind
- diluteReduce by adding solvent
calm · ease · anesthetic · massage · comfort · comfort food · mellow · chill pill · deep breath · chocolate · whiskey · glass of wine · bath · hot bath · distraction · tea · cushion · relax
taken the edge offintensified
Made more extreme
heightened · sharpened · amplified · exacerbated · aggravated
taken the edge offsharpened
Made more cutting
honed · whetted · refined · crystallized
take, taken, takes, taking, taker, edge, edges, edged, edgier