the heat
noun
: pressure to do something
The administration is putting the heat on legislators to approve the tax bill.
She's at her best when the heat is on with tight deadlines.
The company has turned up the heat on its employees to finish the job quickly.
Note: The expression if you can't stand/take the heat, get out of the kitchen means that you should not try to do a difficult job if you cannot deal with the pressure and problems that are part of the job.
Examples of the heat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tilda Swinton brought the heat on a snowy night as the 75th edition of the Berlin Film Festival opened with a gala that included a career achievement honor presented to the Scottish Oscar winner known for her versatility and adventure.
—
William Earl, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan.
Place the pan at the base of the oven, far from the heat source above.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2025
There, some 280 chocolate companies are feeling the heat, with the Chocolate Line owner Dominique Persoone telling the AP that some shops have simply decided to close for Valentine’s Day, hoping that Easter may be a better time for chocolate sales.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2025
The chef who handles the heat, impressing with both their food and teamwork while improving their behavior, will take home the $250,000 grand prize, provided by granola brand Purely Elizabeth.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the heat 
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William Earl, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan.
Place the pan at the base of the oven, far from the heat source above.
—Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 13 Feb. 2025
There, some 280 chocolate companies are feeling the heat, with the Chocolate Line owner Dominique Persoone telling the AP that some shops have simply decided to close for Valentine’s Day, hoping that Easter may be a better time for chocolate sales.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2025
The chef who handles the heat, impressing with both their food and teamwork while improving their behavior, will take home the $250,000 grand prize, provided by granola brand Purely Elizabeth.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the heat
Dictionary Entries Near the heat
Cite this Entry
“The heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20heat. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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