Turn up the heat

When someone says “turn up the heat,” they’re not usually talking about actual temperature. This phrase is an idiom that means to increase the pressure, intensity, or level of something. It’s often used in situations where someone wants to make things more challenging, intense, or exciting. For example, if a coach tells their team to “turn up the heat” during a game, they’re asking the players to increase their effort, intensity, and focus to try and win. In a work setting, a boss might say they need to “turn up the heat” on a project, meaning they want everyone to work harder and faster to meet a deadline or improve performance.
So, when you hear someone say “turn up the heat,” it’s like they’re asking for more energy, effort, or intensity in a situation. It’s a way of pushing for better results or getting people to step up their game.