heat

the heat is on

if the heat is on, you are very busy or in a difficult situation. There are only 3 weeks left before the deadline, so the heat is on.

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

something that you say which means if you are not able to deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation, you should leave. He says he didn't realize banking was such a stressful job. Well, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

See also: can't, kitchen, stand

in the heat of the moment

if you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without thinking because you are angry or excited. Frank doesn't hate you. He just said that in the heat of the moment.

See also: moment

put the heat on someone

1. to try to force or persuade someone to do something. Environmental groups are putting the heat on the government to stop pollution from power stations. (usually + to do something)

2. if you put the heat on someone who is competing with you, you start to do well so they have to work harder or play better. The Dodgers have won three games in a row and are starting to put the heat on the Mets.

take the heat off someone

to stop people criticizing or attacking someone. If your deputy admitted responsibility and resigned, it would take a lot of the heat off you.

See also: take

turn up the heat

1. to make a situation more serious by trying harder to force someone to do something. Lorry drivers are discussing whether to turn up the heat on their bosses by holding a one-day strike. (often + on) The United States has turned up the heat by threatening military action.

2. to start to work or play in a more determined and effective way. Nottingham turned up the heat in the second half and forced their opponents back onto the defensive.

See also: turn

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heat up (something)

to become more active. Although nothing is happening right now, business will likely heat up in September after vacation season. Her report has heated up debate on how the president should behave.

in the heat of something

while there is much activity and strong emotions. Sometimes in the heat of an election campaign a candidate makes a mistake.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form in the heat of the moment while experiencing strong emotions: His remarks were made in the heat of the moment.

in the heat of the moment

heat up (something)

See also: moment

turn up the heat

to increase the amount of pressure, activity, or effort. Citizen groups say they will turn up the heat on the governor to sign the education bill. Newspapers need to turn up the heat and pursue more stories about women in business.

See also: turn