# do a slow burn

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-a-slow-burn
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration; to slowly burn.

## Examples

- He does a slow burn when people interrupt him.
- She did a slow burn as she listened to her coworker take credit for her hard work during the meeting.
- The politician did a slow burn throughout the interview, his face reddening as the journalist continued to press him on his past mistakes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.