turn up the heat
To increase the intensity of activity or discomfort.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The team needs to turn up the heat to win this game.”
“After the rival company launched a cheaper product, our manager decided to turn up the heat on our marketing department.”
“As the investigation progressed, the detectives began to turn up the heat on the primary suspect, hoping to force a confession before the trial began.”
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Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
- 02
catch heat
To get into trouble with somebody; to be scolded or chastised.
- 03
dead heat
a close race or contest in which no winner is apparent
- 04
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 05
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 06
good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
- 07
heat wave
A period of exceptionally hot weather.
- 08
left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
Last updated August 10, 2026