come to the boil

Primarily heard in UK.

1. To become very angry. Watch what you say to him—he tends to come to the boil over criticism of his novel. Please, stop yelling at me—I didn't think you'd come to the boil over such an offhand remark! You guys broke Mom's antique vase? Well, now I understand why she came to the boil.

2. To reach a crucial point. Tensions between them came to the boil when one found out that the other had been lying. Your problems with Mary will definitely come to the 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 the boil.

3. To reach or be at peak performance; to perform as well as possible. Used especially in reference to sports. Their star striker has been simmering away all season. Once he comes to the boil, he'll be unstoppable! A: "It's hard to believe that most medal-winning gymnasts are only teenagers." B: "I know, in that sport, they really come to the boil at a young age." He's never played in a major league game, and he's already 30? In that case, I wonder if he'll ever come to the boil.

come to the boil

BRITISH or

come to a boil

AMERICAN

If a situation or feeling comes to the boil or comes to a boil, it becomes very strong or active. Their anger came to the boil last week when they officially protested at what they saw as a media campaign against them. The issue has come to a boil because the government has threatened to seize their money. Note: Someone or something can also bring a situation or feeling to the boil. The opposition is sure to bring the dispute back to the boil in any election campaign.