safety valve

Definition of Safety Valve in English :

a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler); it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous level

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Safety Valve

noun

1.

a valve in a pressure vessel that allows fluid to escape when a predetermined level of pressure has been reached

2.

a harmless outlet for emotion, energy, tension, etc

1.

an automatic valve for a steam boiler, pressure cooker, etc., which opens if the pressure becomes excessive

2.

any outlet for the release of strong emotion, energy, etc.

n.

1. A valve in a pressure container, as in a steam boiler, that automatically opens when pressure reaches a dangerous level.

2. An outlet for the release of repressed energy or emotion.