lower the temperature
To lessen the intensity of the emotions surrounding something, especially negative ones. With the region on the cusp of war, ambassadors from several nations are entering into talks to try and lower the temperature.
raise the temperature
To increase the emotions surrounding something, especially negative ones. With the region already on the cusp of war, many fear that the ambassador's comments risk raising the temperature further.
room-temperature IQ
slang The IQ possessed by an inept computer user. Room temperature is 70 degrees in Fahrenheit and 21 degrees in Celsius—two numbers significantly lower than the average IQ (which is around 100). I know this design change makes sense to us, but will someone with a room-temperature IQ be able to navigate it?
run a fever
To have an abnormally high body temperature (a fever), which is indicative of or caused by illness; to have a fever. After my toddler was lethargic all day, I begin to worry that she was running a fever.
run a temperature
To have an abnormally high body temperature (a fever), which is indicative of or caused by illness. Dan: "How's Pete feeling?" Marshall: "Well, he ran a temperature last night, but he seemed a lot better this morning after some rest." I think I've started running a temperature. Maybe I should go lie down.
take (one's) temperature
To measure one's internal body temperature. You're forehead feels pretty warm to me; let me take your temperature and see if you're running a fever.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
run a fever and run a temperature
to have a body temperature higher than normal; to have a fever. I ran a fever when I had the flu. The baby is running a temperature and is grouchy.
take someone's temperature
to measure a person's body temperature with a thermometer. I took my temperature and I found that I am running a fever. The nurse took my temperature and said I was okay.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
run a fever
Also, run a temperature. Suffer from a body temperature higher than normal, as in She was running a fever so I kept her home from school. These idioms use run in the sense of "cause to move," in this case upward. [Early 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.