blow off steam
Let frustrations out
To blow off steam is to release pent-up energy, frustration, or stress through some activity—exercise, venting, drinking, or other outlets: After that meeting, I need to blow off steam at the gym.
The metaphor comes from steam engines, which required pressure release to function safely.
Also let off steam.
Become less tense
- decompressRelease stored pressure
- rechargeRestore electrical capacity
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- loosen upBecome less tense
destress · calm down · breathe · ease · soothe · leisure · downtime · respite
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- rageIntense, violent anger
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
- outburstSudden emotional release
tantrum · eruption · fury · exasperation · resentment · agitation · irritation · temper
relax
Become less tense
- decompressRelease stored pressure
- rechargeRestore electrical capacity
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
loosen up · destress · calm down · breathe · ease · soothe · leisure · downtime · respite · break
frustration
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- rageIntense, violent anger
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
outburst · tantrum · eruption · fury · exasperation · resentment · agitation · irritation · temper · release
- emotional releasecry, venting, crying, sob, sobbing
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- energy idiomsfull of beans, running on empty, second wind, burn out, fired up
- relaxationrelax, naps, break, rest, calm
- train termsall aboard, engine, departure time, arrival time, passenger car
- calmingcalm, calm down, soothe, relax, pacify
blow off steamsuffer in silence
Endure pain without complaint
stew · simmer · brood · fester · grin and bear it
blow off steamwind up
Reach a final state
stress out · snap · explode · have a meltdown
blow, steam, blown, steaming, steamy, blowing, steamed, blows, steamboat