sting (redirected from stinging)

a sting in the tail (British & Australian)

an unpleasant end to something that began pleasantly, especially a story or suggestion. At the start, it's humorous and light but like most of her short stories, there's a sting in the tail.

See also: tail

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: take

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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: take