take off the edgeSee: TAKE THE EDGE OFF.
{v. phr.} To lessen, weaken, soften or make dull.
Eating a candy bar before dinner has taken the edge off Becky's appetite. Bob was sorry for hurting Tom and that took the edge off Tom's anger. A headache took the edge off Dick's pleasure in the movie. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲