steam off
C1 neutral separable both
In simple words
Use hot steam to take something off, or let out your angry feelings.
Literal meaning: To cause something to move off a surface by means of steam.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
label stamp sticker anger frustration envelope
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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