turn up the heat

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: heat, turn

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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: heat, turn