take the sting out of
take the sting out of (something)
To alleviate the pain or annoyance caused by something. Well, coming home to freshly baked cookies somewhat took the sting out of getting another parking ticket.
See also: of, out, sting, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take the sting out of
Lessen the severity or unpleasantness of something, as in That senior citizen discount took the sting out of the airfares. [Mid-1800s]
See also: of, out, sting, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- Would it kill (someone) to (do something)?
- final
- here we go again
- belabor the point
- at all hours
- at all hours (of the day and night)
- be like a red flag to a bull
- be like a red rag to a bull
- be a thorn in your flesh/side