blow off steam

Idioms and Phrases

Also, let off steam . Air or relieve one's pent-up feelings by loud talk or vigorous activity. For example, Joan's shouting did not mean she was angry at you; she was just blowing off steam , or After spending the day on very exacting work, Tom blew off steam by going for a long run . This metaphoric term refers to easing the pressure in a steam engine. [Early 1800s]

Related Words

• honor
• laud
• observe
• perform
• praise
• proclaim
• revere