the
word steam is used in several expressions about
power and
energy. Steam is created by boiling water. Steam was once a very common
source of
energy for heating,
running machinery and vehicles, etc. (see
following entries in this glossary)
let off steam to get rid of your
anger or excitement in a way that does not harm anyone by doing something
active. [
ex - Daily physical exercise is a good way to let off steam.
pick up steam 1. If an engine picks up steam, it gradually begins to go faster. 2. If plans, beliefs etc. pick up steam, they gradually become more important and more people become interested in them.
run out of steam to no longer have the
energy or the desire to continue doing something, especially because you are tired. [
ex - The
team began
running out of steam near the end of the
game.]
under your own steam without
help from anyone else. [
ex - I'll get to the restaurant under my own steam.]