BLOW OFF STEAM

{v. phr.} 1. To let or make steam escape; send out steam. * /The janitor let off some steam because the pressure was too high./ 2. {informal} To get rid of physical energy or strong feeling through activity; talk or be very active physically after forced quiet. * /After the long ride on the bus, the children let off steam with a race to the lake./ * /When the rain stopped, the boys let off steam with a ball game./ * /Bill's mother was very angry when he was late in coming home, and let off steam by walking around and around./ * /Bill had to take his foreman's rough criticisms all day and he would blow off steam at home by scolding the children./ Compare: BLOW ONE'S TOP, LET GO(6).