The phrase "take the sting out" refers to reducing or eliminating the negative impact of something. Some antonyms for this phrase could include "exacerbate the pain," "amplify the discomfort," or "intensify the injury." Another way to counteract the idea of "taking the sting out" could be to embrace the difficulty and use it as a tool for growth or learning. Synonyms for this approach could be "lean into the discomfort," "embrace the challenge," or "use the struggle to your advantage." Ultimately, the choice of antonym will depend on the context and goals of the situation at hand.