1 C1 neutral
To remove a label, stamp, or sticker from a surface by holding it over steam.
"She steamed off the old price tag before wrapping the gift."
separable
steam off
C1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To remove something (usually a label or stamp) by applying steam heat, or to release anger/frustration.
In plain English
Use hot steam to take something off, or let out your angry feelings.
What does "steam off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To release pent-up anger or frustration; to vent emotions.
"After the argument, he went for a long walk to steam off his irritation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cause something to move off a surface by means of steam.
Actually means
Use hot steam to take something off, or let out your angry feelings.
Usage tip
The physical sense is used in practical/craft contexts. The emotional sense ('steam off anger') is less common than 'steam up' or 'let off steam' for the same idea.
Words that pair with "steam off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
label stamp sticker anger frustration envelope
How to conjugate "steam off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
steam off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
steams off
he/she/it
Past simple
steamed off
yesterday
Past participle
steamed off
have + pp
-ing form
steaming off
continuous
Hear "steam off" in the wild
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