get (something) off (one's) chest

To reveal or discuss something that has caused one emotional discomfort and that one has repressed, kept hidden, or neglected to discuss earlier. I'm sorry but I just have to get something off my chest. How could you treat me like that last night? You're clearly annoyed, so go on, get it off your chest—what's bothering you? Wait, the holidays don't solely exist for family members to get all their grievances off their chests? Could have fooled me!

get something off your chest

COMMON If you get something off your chest, you talk about a problem that has been worrying you for a long time, and you feel better because of this. My doctor gave me the opportunity to talk and get things off my chest. Sarah certainly seemed as though she had a lot to get off her chest.

get something off your chest

say something that you have wanted to say for a long time, resulting in a feeling of relief. informal

ˌget something off your ˈchest

(informal) say something that you have wanted to say for a long time and feel better because you have done this: If something is worrying you, get it off your chest.