give vent to

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. give vent to meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "give vent to"

Meaning

The phrase ‘give vent to’ is an idiomatic expression which means to express one’s emotions, especially those of anger or frustration, in a sudden, intense way. It can also mean to make one’s feelings or views known or visible. This expression indicates that while the individual is releasing their emotions, they are conveying them in an uncontrolled manner.

Etymology

The phrase ‘give vent to’ first appeared around the early 16th century. It is derived from two older words, ‘vent’, meaning ‘the expression of an idea or feeling’, and ‘give’, meaning ‘to deliver something’. Originally, the phrase was used to describe the release of air or gas from a container, and by the late 16th century it had begun to be used to describe the expression of emotions.

Usage

This phrase is commonly used in casual, everyday speech. It is usually used to convey the idea of someone expressing their feelings or thoughts in a sudden and uncontrolled manner. For example, if an individual had been repressing their emotions for a prolonged period of time, they could use this phrase to express that they are finally releasing those feelings. It is usually used to describe intense emotions such as anger and frustration, and it implies that the individual is expressing those feelings in an uncontrolled way.

Example Sentences

• After months of repressing his emotions, he finally gave vent to his anger.
• She gave vent to her frustration at having her plans disrupted.
• After the shock of what had happened wore off, he gave vent to his sorrow.
• He gave vent to his opinion in a very impassioned manner.
• The speaker gave vent to her feelings about the issue.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.