Take the edge off Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɛdʒ/ /ˈɔf
TAYK thuh EDJ off
tˈeɪk/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈɛdʒ/ /ˈɒf
TAYK thuh EDJ of
Definition
To make something less intense, unpleasant, or painful. Often used for feelings, pain, hunger, or stress.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, common in spoken English. Used with 'pain', 'stress', 'hunger', or after drinks/food ('a snack to take the edge off'). Not literal: doesn't remove the problem but makes it feel less strong.
Spanish: aliviar - reducir el malestarPortuguese (BR): aliviar - amenizarPortuguese (PT): aliviar - atenuarChinese (Simplified): 缓解 - 缓和Chinese (Traditional): 緩解 - 緩和Hindi: कम कर देना - आराम पहुँचानाArabic: يخفف - يهدئBengali: প্রখরতা কমানো - তীব্রতা কমানোRussian: сгладить - снять напряжение - смягчитьJapanese: 和らげる - 緩和するVietnamese: làm dịu bớt - giảm bớt cảm giácKorean: 누그러뜨리다 - 완화하다Turkish: hafifletmek - yatıştırmakUrdu: کمی کم کرنا - شدت کم کرناIndonesian: meredakan - mengurangi ketegangan
Example Sentences
A cup of tea can take the edge off a stressful day.
basic
He ate a sandwich to take the edge off his hunger.
basic
This medicine should take the edge off the pain.
basic
I need something sweet to take the edge off my craving.
natural
A quick walk outside really helps to take the edge off when I'm overwhelmed.
natural
She cracked a joke to take the edge off the awkward silence.
natural