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3. take the sting out of

take the sting out of

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take the sting out of something

to slightly improve something that is unpleasant It was a difficult loss, but the support of the fans really took the sting out of it.

See also: of, out, sting, take

take the sting out of something

to make something that is unpleasant a little less unpleasant Humour, of course, can take the sting out of almost any unpleasant situation.

See also: of, out, sting, take

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