blow off steam

Relief valves released the excess pressure in a steam engine to prevent the boiler from exploding.

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blow off steam (third-person singular simple present blows off steam, present participle blowing off steam, simple past blew off steam, past participle blown off steam)

1. (idiomatic) To vent; to talk or take action (especially in a ranting or unrestrained way) so as to relieve stress.

   Synonyms: blow off one's steam, let off steam

   Don't take it personally when he shouts like that. He's just blowing off steam.

   I told her she could call me and talk any time she wanted to blow off steam.

2. (idiomatic) To do something to get rid of excess energy or worry, especially exercise or diversion.

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