blow off (some) steam

To release strong emotions or energy by engaging in some kind of enjoyable, vigorous, or relaxing activity. I went on a run to blow off steam after our fight. When work gets frustrating, I like to go bowling to blow off some steam.

See also: blow, off, steam

blow off steam

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]

See also: blow, off, steam

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

blow off (some) steam

and let off (some) steam

tv. to release emotional tension by talking or getting angry. Let off some steam. Get it out of your system. The kids run around and let off some steam.

See also: blow, off, steam

blow off steam

verb

See blow off some steam

See also: blow, off, steam

blow off steam

To give vent to pent-up emotion.

See also: blow, off, steam

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

blow off steam, to

To let out one’s frustration or anger, usually by shouting. The term comes from the early days of railroading, when locomotives had no safety valves. When the steam pressure built up, the engineer would pull a lever that would blow off steam and prevent an explosion. It was transferred to human wrath in the early nineteenth century. “The widow . . . sat . . . fuming and blowing off her steam,” wrote Frederick Marryat (The Dog-Fiend, 1837). See also let off steam.