How to Memorize

take the weight off your feet, take the edge off after a long day

Analysis

The idiom 'take a load off' means to sit down and relax.  A load is a burden or something heavy that you carry. This idiom comes from the full expression to 'take the load off your feet' which refers to how your feet feel heavy after walking for a long time. When you invite someone to 'take a load off' you are suggesting that they take a rest. The idiom 'take the weight off', is similar in meaning and can be used to talk about taking a break or a rest from a physical weight or to unload a mental burden or to be relieved of a concern or worry.  So you can say "that news has taken the weight of my mind".  How 'to take the edge off' something means to lessen the amount or intensity of an unpleasant feeling or emotion. This is an idiom used often with medication, drugs and alcohol to describe their dulling effects on the mind and body. "I had a drink after the accident to take the edge off."

Social Examples (Basic)

1. Teresa, you worked so hard all day. You should sit down and take a load off!
2. Our massage chairs will help you take the weight off your feet after shopping in the city all day.
3. Sharon ate a banana to take the edge off her hunger until lunchtime came around.
4. Swimming is an excellent way of taking the edge off after a long day at the office.
5. Thank you so much for helping me. It really took the weight off my shoulders.
6. I hired a cleaner for my house to help take the load off in the evenings.
7. I asked a friend to help with the project. I really needed someone to take the load off.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. This new software will take the load off the accounting team.
2. Our sleeping pods allow our employees to take the weight off during a stressful day and be more productive overall.

Further Suggestions