take the edge off

English

Verb

take the edge off (third-person singular simple present takes the edge off, present participle taking the edge off, simple past took the edge off, past participle taken the edge off)

1. To diminish the effects of (something unpleasant or severe); to dull.
   • 2011 Allen Gregory, "Pilot" (season 1, episode 1):

     Allen Gregory DeLongpre: You know what? Let's forget all the mishegoss and try to enjoy our lunch, huh? Take the edge off.

   • 2011, Allison Brennan, Kiss Me, Kill Me: A Novel of Suspense, page 1:

     She knew better than to drink from the bar, but she'd been so thirsty, and she needed something to take the edge off.

2. To relax or unwind (by consuming alcohol or other psychoactive substances).