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What does “let off steam” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To release stress, often through activity
“Going for a run helps me let off steam.”
From the B2 lesson Under the Weather (health and feeling better).
C1
To release stress or strong emotion, often through activity
“Going for a run helps me let off steam.”
From the C1 lesson Under the Weather (health and feeling better).
Quick check
What does “let off steam” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“let off steam” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- on top of the worldfeeling extremely happy
- down in the dumpsfeeling sad or low
- keep your chin upused to encourage someone to stay positive during a difficult time
- under the weatherfeeling slightly unwell
- take it out on (someone)to treat someone badly because you're upset, even if it's not their fault
- feel betterto feel less unwell or less upset
- cheer someone upto help someone feel happier
- get some restto sleep or relax to recover energy
- calm downto become less angry or upset
- at breaking pointat the limit of what you can emotionally or physically cope with
- come to terms with (something)to gradually accept something difficult
- get something off your chestto say something that's been worrying or bothering you, for relief