Other forms: takes the edge off; took the edge off; taking the edge off
To take the edge off is to make something unpleasant feel less bad. Lying down in a dark room might not cure a headache, but it can take the edge off, dulling its intensity.
Take the edge off means to moderate the severity of a sensation without eliminating it entirely. It's like dulling a sharp blade to make it less able to cut. If you take the edge off someone's pain or discomfort, you provide some relief, making a bad situation more tolerable. For instance, a quick snack will take the edge off your little brother's hunger, but he won't be fully satisfied. Similarly, a nap can take the edge off the exhaustion of a long day of hard work.