take the sting out of

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: sting, 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: sting, take