let off steam
Definition
The meaning: Let off steam is an informal idiom meaning to release strong feelings, stress, or pent-up energy, often by engaging in vigorous activity or by expressing emotions openly.
La signification: L’expression let off steam signifie se défouler, relâcher la tension ou exprimer ses émotions fortes, souvent par une activité physique ou en se laissant aller à exprimer ses sentiments.
Note: Cette expression est courante dans la conversation quotidienne et n’est ni vulgaire ni grossière. Elle s’utilise pour parler de la gestion du stress ou de la colère.
Word Analysis
French equivalents
» Se défouler
» Se lâcher
» Lâcher la pression
» Se changer les idées
A: Tu sembles tendu. B: Oui, j’ai besoin de me défouler, d’aller courir pour let off steam !
English equivalents
» Blow off steam (chiefly American)
» Vent
» Let loose
» Unwind
A: After that meeting, I need to let off steam at the gym.
Dialogue
Sam: "You look frustrated. Everything okay?"
Rita: "I just need to let off steam. I think I’ll go for a run."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase let off steam comes from the world of steam engines. In the 19th century, steam engines used safety valves to release excess steam and prevent dangerous explosions. The idiom began to be used figuratively by the mid-1800s to describe the need for people to release emotional or physical pressure before it becomes overwhelming.
Audience
The idiom "let off steam" is informal but polite. It is suitable for everyday conversation, workplace discussions about stress, and even in some professional contexts, but not in highly formal writing.
When to use: Use it when talking about someone needing to relieve stress, anger, or excess energy, for example: "After a tough day, I like to let off steam by playing tennis."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says that "If you let off steam or blow off steam, you do or say something which helps you to express or get rid of strong feelings of anger about something." Here's a provided example of use: "Our teams meets every two weeks, giving everyone a chance to let off steam."
News Snippet
"'A small man in a small venue with small ideas,' said Jon Ralston, the most respected political journalist in Nevada.
CPAC used to be a fringe event—an opportunity for the far right to let off steam and for rising politicians to earn some street cred with the base. But times have changed. As the Republican Party has become ever more extreme the freak show has now become the main event."
(Read the article at The Daily Maverick)
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Let Off Steam"
Let Off Steam
To release strong emotions or stress by doing something active or expressive.
Example: "He goes jogging every evening to let off steam."
Blow Off Steam
To express anger or frustration to relieve tension, often through activity or venting.
Example: "She needed to blow off steam after a long day at work."
Vent
To express strong emotions, especially anger or frustration, openly and forcefully.
Example: "He vented about the unfair decision during the meeting."
Take It Out On Someone
To direct one’s anger or frustration at someone who is not responsible for it.
Example: "Don’t take it out on me just because you had a bad day."
Get It Off Your Chest
To talk about something that has been bothering you in order to relieve stress.
Example: "She finally got it off her chest and felt much better."
Let Rip
To express yourself freely and strongly, often emotionally or verbally.
Example: "He let rip during the meeting, yelling at everyone."
Chew Someone Out
(US informal) To angrily reprimand someone, often as an outlet for frustration.
Example: "The boss chewed him out for being late again."
Lash Out
To suddenly express anger or frustration, verbally or physically.
Example: "He lashed out at his friend over a minor issue."
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