blowing off steam
Letting it out
Blowing off steam is releasing pent-up energy, frustration, or tension through some outlet—exercise, venting, drinking, or other activity.
The metaphor comes from steam engines, which require pressure release to avoid explosion: After that meeting, I need to blow off some steam.
Also let off steam.
- ventOpening for airflow
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- catharsisPurification through emotional expression
- sublimationSolid to gas directly
- decompressionReduction of pressure
take a breather · easing · release · meditating · unwind · kick back · mental health day · weightlifting · punching bag · yoga · journaling · cycling · shouting · boxing · crying · painting · ranting · talk it out
- letting loosecutting loose, letting go, going wild, going crazy, running wild
- emotional releasecry, venting, crying, sob, sobbing
blowing off steaminternalizing
Making beliefs your own
biting one's tongue · suffering in silence · putting on a brave face · keeping one's cool · emotional restraint
blowing off steamstewing
Cooking low and slow
festering · brooding · simmering · ruminating
blowing off steamgrinning and bearing it
Enduring discomfort with feigned cheerfulness
blow, blowing, blows, blown, blower, steam, steams, steamed, steaming