something to take the edge off
2019.08.28
Meaning:
When we say ‘I need something to take the edge off’ we usually mean alcohol. Think of a hard day as a knife. The knife has a very sharp, painful edge. After a hard day of work, you might have a drink to take the ‘edge’ (the pain) off. You can take the edge off stress (with yoga?), hunger (with an apple?), someone’s anger (with an apology?), a headache (with Bufferin?). You can take the edge off anything painful. This expression comes from Shakespeare, but people still use it today.
Example:
A: What a long day! I need something to take the edge off.
B: Do you want a beer?
A: Do you have anything stronger? How about a whiskey?
Talking Point(s):
What do you do/ drink to take the edge off a hard day?
大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡