dull the edge of

dull the edge of (something)

To lessen some aspect of something, often so that it is less severe or effective. Likened to dulling the edge of a blade. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to dull the edge of such an emotional issue.
See also: dull, edge, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dull the edge of

make less sensitive, interesting, or effective.
The image here is of making a knife's edge blunt.
See also: dull, edge, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • dull the edge of (something)
  • get (one's) rocks off on (something)
  • as though
  • shine through
  • beat the stuffing out of (someone)
  • the bloom is off the rose
  • the bloom is off
  • the blush is off the rose
  • team Xerox
  • be out for the count
References in periodicals archive
The Westminster version of history is less than 200 years old, but its weight is enough to dull the edge of even slightly radical intent.
Doing up the British parliament is expensive, but its tradition is priceless
Responding to the loud and growing outcry against the law, Angara admitted the other day that Republic Act 10175 was indeed flawed, and said he was going to file amendments to dull the edge of the unexpectedly sharp new measure he had done the most to bring to President Aquino's desk.
A larger universe
Coming as a victory for Indian pluralism, the conviction of Kodnani and Bajrangi will also dull the edge of criticism regarding the SIT's failure to net the big fish allegedly behind the riots.
MAIL TODAY COMMENT
Weiner is by no means insignificant, a comparison to asset values rather than the US Gross Domestic Product would be helpful, even if it were to slightly dull the edge of his argument.
The Shadow Market: How a Group of Wealthy Nations and Powerful Investors Secretly Dominate the World
Z's Bad Medicine," Sullivan compared Zerwas' suggestion, made at a Texas Tribune Triblive event, to the "pills pushed by the AFL-CIO and other liberals wanting to keep government growing." Sullivan said Zerwas' claim that using much of the fund would dull the edge of the budget process amounts to "an overdose of irresponsibility."
Zerwas' Rainy Day Proposal Draws Conservative Critics [Updated]
Yet family connections can also dull the edge of the greatest sporting contests.
Forget Bread of Heaven, it's mother's pride
The gospel passages somewhat dull the edge of a literalist interpretation of the healing passages of Isaiah in that healing of the deaf and blind is inclusive of a spiritual meaning of blindness and deafness--and, of course, present-day grace is able to heal spiritually.
Expect the unexpected