Take the sting out
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To soften a blow or hurt, ease it.
Origin
From 19th-century Britain, tied to bees; 'sting out' for ease, slang by 1860s in a tale for calm. A 1870s 'Punch' uses it for a fix.
Variants
- Sting out
Usage Examples
- Take the sting out; soften that news.
- He took the sting out; less hurt.
- Sting out; calmed it down.
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