🔥 Turn Up the Heat 🔥
Definition
To increase or intensify some activity or emotion. This figurative usage extends beyond old-fashioned literal meanings of “turning up” the volume, light, or heat. Whether in activities, arguments, or investigations, it’s all about cranking it up a notch.
Origin
The use of “turn up” to literally increase light or heat dates back to the late 1800s. However, its figurative usage to denote stepping up intensity in various contexts, such as “turning up the heat” in an interrogation, is a much more recent development.
Synonyms
- Ramp up
- Amp up
- Ratchet up
- Crank up
- Heighten
- Intensify
- Escalate
- Boost
Antonyms
- Tone down
- Lower
- Decrease
- Diminish
- Reduce
- Ease off
- Cool down
Related Expressions
- Turn the screw
- Step up your game
- Raise the stakes
- Kick it up a notch
Quotes
- “When in doubt, just turn up the heat and watch the magic happen.” - Ignatia Burnbright
Proverbs
- “All heat and no light.”
- “Strike while the iron is hot.”
References
Literature
- “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury - A dystopian novel where turning up the heat is quite literal.
- “Inferno” by Dante Alighieri - Intensity is the theme, with layers of Hell heating up as you go deeper.
Songs
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel - A musical timeline of turned-up historical events.
- “Burn” by Ellie Goulding - A song that’s all about pushing intensity in everything.
Movies
- “Heat” (1995) - A crime thriller where intensity is the name of the game.
- “A Few Good Men” (1992) - It turns up the heat quite literally in courtroom interrogations.
Inspirational Farewell
As you navigate the fiery labyrinth of everyday challenges, may you always find the perfect moment to turn up the heat, ignite your passions, and burn brightly!
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Turn up the heat
- [ ] Switch on the hot potato
- [ ] Raise the blazing banana
- [ ] Flick the fiery switch
> **Explanation:** "Turn up the heat" is a genuine idiom, signifying intensification of an activity. The others, while amusing, fail to catch fire.
### Which phrase signals an increase in intensity?
- [ ] Boil it gently
- [x] Crank it up
- [ ] Cool the jets
- [ ] Douse the flames
> **Explanation:** “Crank it up” is a real expression that means to increase intensity.
### True or False: 'Turn up the heat' is an idiom
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! This idiom is often used to describe ramping up the intensity of any activity.
