take the heat

Idioms  

1. Endure severe censure or criticism, as in He was known for being able to take the heat during a crisis. This idiom uses heat in the sense of “intense pressure,” as in if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

In many ways I hope Forest win, to take the heat off Postecoglou a little, but I don't see it happening.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

Librarians who speak out against the spuriousness of the process might themselves be removed, in order to take the heat off school districts.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2025

But can he take the heat off Lincoln Riley?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2024

Many CSP factories focus the light from their mirrors onto specially designed towers that can take the heat and turn it into electricity, usually by turning water into steam.

From NewsForKids.net • May 21, 2024

I had a faint hope that the Captain, not being an islander, would take the heat as an excuse to slow down a bit.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• decline
• drop
• fall