blow off steam

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blow off steam

When I need to blow off steam, I like to go for a bike ride.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 9, 2025

Maybe you're angry for some *waves hands* reason, and need to blow off steam with some shoot-'em-up action or dissociate from your everyday reality.

From Salon ● Dec. 20, 2024

“It’s where I manage to earn my livelihood, and I can show people my joy and blow off steam, you understand? It’s where I feel happy, good.”

From Seattle Times ● May 14, 2024

It started as a way to blow off steam in the studio.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2023

Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

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