to lessen the intensity of something (eg, stress, anxiety, hunger) · to make something less severe
Feeling a bit tense or overwhelmed? 😩 This expression is perfect when you want to reduce the sharpness of an uncomfortable emotion or sensation. Think of it as softening the blow of stress or dulling a nagging hunger! ☕🧘♀️
💡 **Pro Tip!** 'To take the edge off' can be used for more than just emotions. You can 'take the edge off' hunger with a small snack, or even physical pain with a mild painkiller. It implies a slight reduction, not a complete removal, of the intensity. ✨
When would you most appropriately use the expression 'to take the edge off'? A. 🎉 When you've just won the lottery and are celebrating wildly. B. 😌 When you have a mild headache and want to lessen the discomfort. C. 😤 When you want to make a tense situation even more stressful.