[Idiom] FEEL THE HEAT. - Understanding Pressure in High-Stress Situations

experience pressure

Feeling the heat isn't just about being too close to a fire or in a sunny spot on a hot day; it's a popular idiom that means to feel under pressure or stress, especially in a challenging situation. The 'heat' in this phrase symbolizes the intense scrutiny or urgent demands often encountered in high-stakes environments like the workplace, during sports, or in public performances. When someone is 'feeling the heat', they're experiencing the metaphorical intensity of being in a spotlight, where every action or decision is crucial. It's often used to describe moments where the stakes are high, and there's little room for error, much like a chef working in a busy kitchen, maneuvering around hot stoves and ovens.

Example Sentences

1. Can you feel the heat in here?

   Noticing the physical warmth or tension in the air.

2. With the deadline approaching, you can really feel the heat.

   Feeling the pressure and stress as the deadline approaches.

3. When the scandal broke, the politician began to feel the heat from the media.

   The politician experiencing intense scrutiny and criticism from the media after a scandal.