let off steam
/ˌlet ɒf ˈstiːm/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to release strong feelings or energy harmlessly
Examples
- 1The children run around the park after school to let off steam.
- 2I go swimming on Wednesdays to let off steam.
- 3He let off steam by cleaning the whole kitchen.
- 4Sometimes a long walk is the best way to let off steam.
- 5She lets off steam at the gym instead of arguing with her flatmates.
Grammar
Only the verb changes, and its past is the same as the base (lets, let, letting). steam is uncountable here, so it takes no article.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about emotions
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →a weight off your minda relief after a worry has gonetake your breath awayto amaze you with beauty or surprisehot under the collarangry or embarrassed about somethingjump out of your skinto be extremely startled by something suddena face like thundera look that shows great angerhave a soft spot forto feel special fondness for someone or something
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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