let off steam

[let off steam] or [blow off steam] {v. phr.}

1. To let or make steam escape; send out steam.

* /The janitor let off some steam because the pressure was too high./

2. {informal} To get rid of physical energy or strong feeling through activity; talk or be very active physically after forced quiet.

* /After the long ride on the bus, the children let off steam with a race to the lake./

* /When the rain stopped, the boys let off steam with a ball game./

* /Bill's mother was very angry when he was late in coming home, and let off steam by walking around and around./

* /Bill had to take his foreman's rough criticisms all day and he would blow off steam at home by scolding the children./

Compare: BLOW ONE'S TOP, LET GO(6).

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	See also »
	under one's own steam [under one's own steam] {adv. phr.}, {informal} By one's own efforts; without help. * /The ... A Dictionary of American Idioms steam [steam] See: LET OFF STEAM or BLOW OFF STEAM, UNDER ONE'S OWN STEAM. A Dictionary of American Idioms blow off steam [blow off steam] See: LET OFF STEAM. A Dictionary of American Idioms blow a fuse [blow a fuse] or [blow a gasket] or [blow one's top] or [blow one's stack] ... A Dictionary of American Idioms let go [let go] {v.} 1a. To stop holding something; loosen your hold; release. * /The boy ... A Dictionary of American Idioms own [own] See: COME INTO ONE'S OWN, DOSE OF ONE'S OWN MEDICINE, HOLD ONE'S OWN, IN ... A Dictionary of American Idioms American Idioms American Idiomatic Expressions This online dictionary of idioms is based on original book by ... Dictionary of American Idioms

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