Blowing Off Steam
Old Faithful, the best known geyser in Yellowstone Park, blows off steam on a regular basis.
Park employees keep her schedule posted, so visitors know when to gather around her.
The “oohs” and “aahs” begin when that built-up thermal pressure blows. The height of her eruptions varies from 100-180 feet. You can watch Old Faithful blowing off steam by webcam at Old Faithful Live.
Some people blow off steam on a regular basis.
Anger wells up within them until they can hold it no longer. Then they explode.
We love to see Old Faithful blowing off steam, but not people.
Anger, an emotion we all share, is not necessarily a bad thing.
Jesus, who lived a perfect life, vented his anger when appropriate.However, we can carry anger to an extreme.
We need to control our anger rather than allowing it to control us.
- Confront anger rather than letting it build.
- Express anger in helpful rather than harmful ways.
- Once we resolve the situation causing our anger, let the anger go.
“’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26 NIV).
Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.
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9 thoughts on “Blowing Off Steam”
I’ve heard of someone “popping his cork.” I think it means the same as blowing off steam?
I think you’re right, Emily. I hadn’t heard that one in a long time.
Over the years, I have learned two things about anger: the first is to look inside myself and find the interior source of my anger; the second is to look at the external source and go directly to that place, person, or thing and address the issue in person. Blowing off steam just does not help alleviate the anger. In fact, it only gets worse!
Judith Coopy
How very true, Judith. We should all take note!
This idiom, pop one’s cork, is more concerned with extreme anger leading to a nervous breakdown, a sudden fall into mental illness, or actually going crazy. It is like “letting off steam” except the steam never stops!
I had sent this to Emily and she suggested that I post it with you, too!
I learned something new today, Judith, thanks to you. I appreciate your taking the time to share.