Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

blow off steam

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.24 in modern English

Syllables: blow of-f steam
IPA

25

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

2

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

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

verb

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

Example Sentences

"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."

Etymology

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

Inflected Forms

blows off steam (present, singular) blowing off steam (participle, present) blew off steam (past) blown off steam (participle, past)

Phrases

blow-off

Frequently Paired Words

blow-off blowoff

Synonyms

blow off one's steam let off steam

Questions

What does blow off steam mean?: To vent; to talk or take action (especially in a ranting or unrestrained way) so as to relieve stress.
Where does blow off steam come from?: Relief valves released the excess pressure in a steam engine to prevent the boiler from exploding.

How to pronounce blow off steam

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “blow off steam”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “blow off steam”.
Repeat and practice — Say “blow off steam” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.