[Idiom] LET OFF STEAM. - Understand Common English Phrases for Emotional Expression
Let off steam.
/lɛt ɒf stim/
Release pent-up energy or emotions.
When someone "lets off steam," they are finding a way to express pent-up emotions or relieve stress. This idiom likens emotional or psychological pressure to the steam that builds up inside a steam engine. When the pressure becomes too much, steam needs to be released to prevent the engine from overheating, much like humans need an outlet for stress.
Example Sentences
After a stressful week, he went running to let off steam.
After a stressful week, he went running to release his stress.
Sometimes, you just need to shout to let off steam.
Sometimes, you just need to shout to release your pent-up emotions.
She punched a pillow to let off steam and felt much better afterwards.
She punched a pillow to vent her frustration and felt much better afterwards.