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spleen

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vent one's spleen

Fig. to get rid of one's feelings of anger caused by someone or something by attacking someone or something else. Jack vented his spleen at his wife whenever things went badly at work. Peter vented his spleen on his car by kicking it when it broke down.

See also: spleen, vent

vent your spleen

to express your anger Now you can vent your spleen about driving conditions on area freeways – you can e-mail the director of the Department of Transportation.

Etymology: from the idea in the past that the spleen (an organ in the body) was the place where evil intentions began

See also: spleen, vent

vent your spleen

to express anger (often + on ) Politicians used the press conference as an opportunity to vent their spleen on reporters.

See also: spleen, vent

vent one's spleen

Express one's anger, as in Some people see town council meetings as a place where they can vent their spleen. This expression uses vent in the sense of "air," and spleen in the sense of "anger," alluding to the fact that this organ was once thought to be the seat of ill humor and melancholy. [First half of 1600s]

See also: spleen, vent

vent one’s spleen

tv. to release one’s anger. I just feel like I have to vent my spleen at somebody.

See also: spleen, vent