"Clean Bill Of Health"
Definition
To be pronounced healthy.
Believed Origin
In times gone by, when a ship sailed it would be given a "bill of health" to prove that the port from which it last sailed was free of any epidemics. Providing a "clean bill of health" would ensure that the ship could dock at the next port.
"Blow Off Steam"
Definition
To release tension from oneself.
Believed Origin
The term derives from the workings of a water boiler whereby the boiler needs to relieve pressure built up from the steam. The boiler is equipped with a safety valve called a 'blow off value' which is used to "blow off steam" to prevent the boiler from
exploding under the pressure.
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