take the sting out of sth

/tˈeɪk ðə stˈɪŋ ˌaʊtəv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/tˈeɪk ðə stˈɪŋ ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

to take the sting out of sth

to take away from the intensity of something unpleasant

Examples

1. Nothing takes the sting out of failure like a big, fat check.

2. And I'll show you why the company thinks that after a word from a sponsor who can help take the sting out of that premium price.

3. And that's the key to taking the sting out of impulses.

4. And it seems like we've taken the sting out of the N-word.