Blow Off Steam

Definition

Blow off steam is an idiom meaning to release pent-up energy, stress, or emotion by engaging in an activity that provides relief.

Parts of Speech

• Idiom
• Phrasal verb (intransitive)

Pronunciation

• IPA: /bloʊ ɔf stiːm/
• Respelling: BLOW off STEEM

Etymology

Mid 19th century: from the literal practice of releasing steam from a boiler to reduce pressure, used figuratively to describe relieving emotional tension.

Derivatives

• blows off steam (3rd person)
• blew off steam (past tense)
• blowing off steam (gerund/participle)

Synonyms

• let off steam
• vent
• de-stress
• relieve tension
• unwind

Antonyms

• bottle up
• repress
• hold in
• suppress

Usage

The idiom "blow off steam" is used in informal and conversational contexts to describe engaging in an activity to relieve stress or frustration. For example, "After a tough day at work, he went for a long hike to blow off steam," or "They played basketball every evening to blow off steam together."

Related Terms

• Stress relief: Methods or activities that reduce tension.
• Outlet: A means of expressing or releasing pent-up emotions.
• Exercise: Physical activity often used to relieve stress.
• Relaxation: The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
• Vent: To express feelings, often negative, to achieve relief.

Detailed Definitions

Idiom / Phrasal Verb

• To release pent-up energy or emotion – to perform an activity, often vigorous, to feel calmer.
  • Example: "She punched the heavy bag to blow off steam after the argument."
• To relieve stress or frustration – to do something enjoyable or distracting to reset one’s mood.
  • Example: "He blasts his favorite music and dances around to blow off steam."