Blow Off Steam

blow off steam idiom meaning

Also: Let off steam

Meaning of Idiom ‘Blow Off Steam’

To blow off steam means to do something that helps relieve stress, tension, anger, or strong emotions; to get out one’s pent up feelings by complaining or talking loudly, or by some energetic activity; to play or work off excess energy, especially children. 1Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms]. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.,2Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.,3Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.


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Note On Use

Some of the activities one might engage in to ‘blow off steam’ could be considered negative or unacceptable but the idiom is often used as an explanation for such behavior as in “he’s just blowing off steam.”

Sentence Examples

“I really need to go out tonight and blow off some steam.”

“These kids have been cooped up in the house for days. They need to go out and let off steam.”

“Why is Alan yelling at everyone?” “He’s just blowing off steam.”

“You know you can call me anytime you need to blow off steam. I’m always here for you.”

“I’m going to hit the gym and let off steam. I’ve been working too much lately.”

“Thought maybe we could go to dinner, or get a drink. Blow off some steam.” — The Green Hornet (2011)

“Tallahassee firmly believes that you have to blow off steam in Zombieland, or else you lose what’s left of your mind.” — Zombieland (2009)

“Look, Tony Clifton is gonna go on Taxi next week. That should let him blow off steam and relieve the stress. Okay?” — Man on the Moon (1999)

“We’re having a little party and blowing off some steam.” — Duplicity (2009)

“Yeah, about last night. You can’t do stuff like that.” “Sorry, I was just trying to blow off some steam, that’s all.” — The Skeleton Twins (2014)

“She’s angry. That’s okay. Blowing off steam, that’s okay. Taking my car is not okay.” — Mermaids (1990)

“Teresa and Antonio had a really big fight. She had to blow off some steam, so they went to the Buffalo Billiards.” — Man of the House (2005)

Blow Off Steam Origin

Used since the 1800s.

This idiom alludes to the literal meaning of blowing off steam, referring to a steam engine releasing excess steam through a valve to ease the pressure.

More Idioms Starting with B

More Blow Idioms

More Let Idioms

More Off Idioms

More Steam Idioms

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