blow off steam
Slang Dictionary

blow off (some) steam definition


and let off (some) steam
  1. 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.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Slang Dictionary

steam (so) definition


  1. tv.
    to get someone excited. : The coach can really steam up those guys.
  2. tv.
    to get someone angry. (See also steamed (up).) : This whole mess steamed me up but good.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

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]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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