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]

Example Sentences

“If Tommy wanted to hit for 15 minutes to build some confidence, blow off steam or take a break from his homework, he could just go outside and do it,” John said.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s also a way for the group to do a little proselytizing about native plants “and blow off steam too, because we care about the natural world, and it’s being destroyed all the time,” said Calhoun.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s where I manage to earn my livelihood, and I can show people my joy and blow off steam, you understand? It’s where I feel happy, good.”

From Seattle Times

Some people blow off steam by yelling at their television screens.

From Seattle Times

“He would say things similar to that on occasions to blow off steam. But I wouldn’t take them literally every time he did it.”

From Salon

Related Words

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