turned up the heat
Escalated the situation
Turned up the heat means increased pressure or intensity on someone or something.
The image is of raising the temperature to make conditions more uncomfortable: Police turned up the heat on local drug dealers.
It can also mean heightened effort or aggression: The team turned up the heat in the second half.
- amplifyIncrease in strength
- raise the stakesIncrease what's wagered
- up the anteIncrease what's risked
- escalateIncrease in severity
- accelerateIncrease in velocity
apply pressure · full court press · stress · pressurize · intensify · tension · hot seat · urgency · push · strain · augment · provoke · scorch · inflame · stoke · heighten · boost · demand
turned up the heatbacked off
Withdrew from confrontation
eased up · let up · took it easy · lightened up · de-escalated
turned up the heatbacked down
Retreated from a position
gave up · walked away · threw in the towel · retreated · stood down
turn, turned, turning, turns, turner, turnout, upturn, return, heat