bloʊ ɔf stiːm
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To release steam from a pressure vessel
What does "blow off steam" mean?
- To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
- To do something active to relieve stress or frustration
Examples
- I go running to blow off steam after a stressful day.
- He went to the gym to blow off steam after the argument.
- The kids need to blow off steam after being inside all day.
Origin
From the industrial age, when steam engines needed to release excess pressure through safety valves. The metaphor applies to humans releasing emotional pressure through activity.
How to use it
Very common expression for stress relief. 'Let off steam' is equally common. Usually involves physical or active release.
Similar expressions
let off steam
unwind
release tension
decompress
Opposites
bottle up
suppress
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- pull yourself together
To regain composure and self-control
Use it in a practice answer
Try "blow off steam" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.