take the edge off

USAGE SUMMARY

"take the edge off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used figuratively to describe an action or event that reduces the intensity (or "edge") of a situation or feeling. Example: A good cup of tea was just what I needed to take the edge off my anxiety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It'll take the edge off".

The New Yorker

"You just want to take the edge off".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Lots of women use something to take the edge off".

The New York Times

Kylie Minogue: "Have a champagne, take the edge off".

BBC

At first, Don drinks "to take the edge off".

TechCrunch

*Drinking alcohol, more often, to "take the edge off".

Huffington Post

If anything would take the edge off, it was a smoke.

Huffington Post

A few glasses of wine will take the edge off and get me through the night.

Huffington Post

"I would rather smoke a bowl, take the edge off and go about my day".

Huffington Post

She's trying to find ways to take the edge off and numb out a little bit.

Huffington Post

It helped take the edge off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take the edge off" when you want to convey a sense of reducing negative feelings, stress, or intensity in a situation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "take the edge off" when you need a solution that completely resolves a problem. This phrase implies a partial reduction, not a total elimination, of the negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the edge off" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It signifies a reduction in intensity, whether it's emotional distress, physical discomfort, or the severity of a situation. Examples from Ludwig AI showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take the edge off" is a common and versatile idiom used to describe the act of reducing the intensity or negative impact of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase functions primarily to offer relief or mitigation, suggesting a way to make situations or feelings less overwhelming, and it is considered to be of neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When aiming to lessen anxiety, stress, or the severity of a situation, "take the edge off" is a reliable and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease the stress

Directly addresses the reduction of stress.

soothe the anxiety

Implies comforting and reducing anxiety.

alleviate the tension

Specifically targets reducing tension or stress.

relieve the pressure

Focuses on reducing the feeling of being under pressure.

moderate the intensity

Emphasizes reducing the strength or degree of something.

calm the nerves

Specifically aims to reduce nervousness or anxiety.

lessen the impact

Focuses on reducing the effect rather than specifically addressing anxiety or tension.

dampen the effect

Suggests reducing the overall impact or intensity.

soften the blow

Implies reducing the negative impact of bad news or a difficult situation.

mitigate the severity

Highlights reducing the intensity or seriousness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "take the edge off" in a sentence?

You can use "take the edge off" to describe something that reduces the intensity of a feeling or situation. For example, "A cup of tea can "take the edge off" a stressful day".

What are some alternatives to "take the edge off"?

Alternatives to "take the edge off" include phrases like "alleviate the tension", "ease the stress", or "soften the blow", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "take the edge off" in formal writing?

Yes, "take the edge off" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider the specific tone and audience when choosing your words.

What's the difference between "take the edge off" and "solve the problem"?

"Take the edge off" implies a partial reduction of a negative feeling or situation, while "solve the problem" suggests a complete resolution. For example, meditation might "take the edge off" anxiety, but therapy might be needed to solve the underlying issues.