take the heat, to

take the heat

To receive and enduring intense criticism or scorn, especially for a perceived mistake or wrongdoing. The CEO has already shown she is capable of taking the heat when her gambles don't pay off. As part of the customer support team, be aware that you will be taking the heat from every angry or frustrated customer who calls in.See also: heat, take

take the heat

 and take some heatSl. to receive or put up with criticism (for something). The cops have been taking some heat about the Quincy killing. If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.See also: heat, take

take the heat

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] See also: heat, take

take the heat

and take some heat tv. to receive criticism (for something); to receive punishment. The cops have been taking some heat about the Quincy killing. See also: heat, take

take the heat

Slang To incur and endure heavy censure or criticism: had a reputation for being able to take the heat in a crisis.See also: heat, take

take the heat, to

To be blamed or censured severely. This colloquial term, from the first half of the 1900s, uses heat in the sense of severe pressure. R. Boyer used it in The Dark Ship (1947), “One guy, Stack, is takin’ all the heat.”See also: take