verb phrase🎓 English idiom

blow off steam

to release pent-up energy or anger

What it means

To release built-up energy, stress, or anger in a harmless way, often through activity, talking, or play. It is used when someone needs an outlet so that tension does not build up dangerously.

Examples

  • After a stressful week, I go for a run to blow off steam.
  • Let the kids play outside for a while to blow off steam.
  • He wasn't serious about quitting; he was just blowing off steam.
  • We hit the gym together whenever we need to blow off some steam.

Where it comes from

The phrase comes from the age of steam engines, where excess pressure had to be vented through a valve to stop a boiler from exploding. It was applied figuratively to human emotion by the 19th century.

Related idioms

#give someone a piece of your mind#in the heat of the moment#pull yourself together#clear the air

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