take the sting out of
US /teɪk ðə stɪŋ aʊt əv/
UK /teɪk ðə stɪŋ aʊt əv/
1.
减轻痛苦, 缓和影响
to make something unpleasant less severe or painful
:
•
The apology helped to take the sting out of his harsh words.
道歉有助于减轻他严厉言辞的伤害。
•
A small bonus helped to take the sting out of the pay cut.
一笔小奖金有助于减轻减薪的痛苦。