blow off steam

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]

Example Sentences

In 2008, a group of scantily clad Chapman University students frolicked in the water fixture during the college’s biannual Undie Run, a tradition where students strip off their clothes and run through downtown to blow off steam during finals week.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Santi likes to hit, perhaps just to blow off steam, he has become alienated from the game and resistant to advice — for reasons we will learn, besides the usual teenage anomie.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a dream living situation for any group of queer friends, one that ensures there’s always a friendly ear close by, ready to listen when someone needs to blow off steam.

From Salon

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

“If Tommy wanted to hit for 15 minutes to build some confidence, blow off steam or take a break from his homework, he could just go outside and do it,” John said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honor 
• laud 
• observe 
• perform 
• praise 
• proclaim 
• revere