boiling hot: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘boiling hot’ mean?
The idiom "boiling hot" means extremely hot or heated, often used to describe temperatures or emotions that are at their highest point.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "piping hot" means something that is extremely hot or freshly cooked. It is used to describe something that is at its highest temperature or in its optimal condition.
The idiom "keep the pot boiling" means to maintain a situation or activity at a satisfactory or acceptable level of progress, especially in order to avoid any interruptions or setbacks.
The idiom "in the hot seat" means to be in a difficult or uncomfortable position, often under scrutiny or facing intense questioning.
The idiom "hot water" refers to being in a difficult or troublesome situation, often due to one's own actions or decisions.
The idiom "hot water" has a long history and has been used in the English language for centuries. It refers to being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, often due to being in trouble or facing consequences for one's actions. The origins of this idiom are unclear, but there are several theories that attempt to explain its meaning.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hotter than a pistol" means something or someone that is very exciting, dynamic, or popular. It suggests a high level of energy, enthusiasm, or success.
The idiom "hot stuff" is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, remarkable, or highly skilled.
The idiom "hot shit" refers to someone or something that is highly impressive, successful or influential. It is used to convey a sense of superiority or remarkable qualities.
The idiom "hot on" means to be closely pursuing or following someone or something, usually in terms of investigation or discovery.
The idiom "hot off the presses" means freshly printed or just released, referring to the immediacy and freshness of news or information.
Sizzling secrets
The idiom "boiling hot" is a common expression in English that describes something that is extremely hot or heated. The term "boiling" refers to the highest level of heat possible, often associated with water reaching its boiling point. When used figuratively, "boiling hot" signifies a heightened intensity or extreme temperature in a non-literal sense.
One possible interpretation of the idiom "boiling hot" is that it draws upon the concept of boiling water, which reaches the highest temperature that water can naturally attain under atmospheric pressure. This idiom transfers the notion of extreme heat to a figurative context, describing a situation, object, or climate as exceptionally hot or heated.
Furthermore, the idiom can extend beyond its literal meaning to describe emotions or reactions that are highly intense or passionate. For instance, a person's rage or excitement can be described as "boiling hot," emphasizing the extreme level of intensity.
The idiom "piping hot" is closely related to "boiling hot." Both phrases convey a high level of heat or temperature. However, "piping hot" specifically refers to something being so hot that it is releasing steam or making a hissing sound. The addition of the word "piping" implies the idea of hot liquid flowing through a pipe, which creates the association with heat and intensity.
The idiom "boiling point" is also related to "boiling hot." While "boiling hot" refers to extreme heat or intensity in general, "boiling point" specifically refers to the temperature at which a liquid boils and turns into a vapor. The phrase can be used figuratively to describe a situation or an emotion that has reached a point of extreme tension or intensity.
Another related idiom is "boiling mad." This phrase combines the idea of extreme heat or intensity with anger or frustration. When someone is described as "boiling mad," it suggests that their anger or frustration has reached its peak, much like water reaching its boiling point. The use of the word "boiling" intensifies the level of anger or frustration being expressed.
The idiom "hissing hot" is another variation of "boiling hot." While "boiling hot" generally refers to a high temperature, "hissing hot" specifically refers to something being so hot that it makes a hissing sound. The addition of the word "hissing" creates a vivid image of the intense heat and adds an extra layer of intensity to the idiom.
Lastly, the idiom "boil up" is closely related to "boiling hot." It refers to the act of reaching a state of extreme heat or intensity. While "boiling hot" describes the result of something being hot or heated, "boil up" focuses on the process of something becoming hot or heated. This idiom can be used to describe a situation, an emotion, or even a conflict that is escalating rapidly, much like water reaching its boiling point.
The idiom "boiling hot" is deeply rooted in the English language and is used to describe something that is extremely hot or heated. It can also be used figuratively to convey a heightened intensity or extreme temperature in a non-literal sense. Related idioms such as "piping hot," "boiling point," "boiling mad," "hissing hot," and "boil up" further emphasize the idea of extreme heat or intensity in different contexts. These idioms provide creative ways to express the concept of intense heat or passion within the boundaries of established conventions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *boiling hot* can be used in a sentence:
- The soup was boiling hot, so I had to let it cool down before eating it.
- She couldn't sleep because her bedroom was boiling hot and there was no air conditioning.
- After sitting in the sun all day, the sand at the beach was boiling hot under our feet.
More "Temperature" idioms
