come to a boil
1. Literally, for something (a liquid) to reach its boiling point. After the water comes to a boil, we will add the pasta. What do I do once the sugar and fruit come to a boil? How long does it take water to come to a boil for tea? Sheesh.
2. By extension, to become very angry. Watch what you say to him—he tends to come to a boil over criticism of his novel. Please, stop yelling at me—I didn't think you'd come to a boil over such an offhand remark! You guys broke Mom's antique vase? Well, now I understand why she came to a boil.
3. To reach a crucial point. Tensions between them came to a boil when one found out that the other had been lying. Your problems with Mary will definitely come to a boil if she finds out you're dating her ex! They got a search warrant for the CEO's home? Sounds like the investigation is coming to a boil.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come to a boil
1. Lit. [for a liquid] to reach the boiling point. The soup came to a boil and the chef reduced the flame.
2. Fig. [for a problem or situation] to reach a critical or crucial stage. (Alludes to water reaching an active boil.) Finally, things really came to a boil. Everything came to a boil after Mary announced her engagement.
3. Fig. [for someone] to get very angry. Fred was coming to a boil and clearly he was going to lose his temper.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.