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Definitions

take the heat

VERB
lose
Synonyms
STRONGEST
decline drop fall
STRONG
miss succumb yield
WEAK
be humbled be outdistanced be sunk be taken to cleaners be the loser be worsted come up short drop a bundle kiss goodbye lose out suffer defeat take a beating take the count
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend go up rise
WEAK
achieve confront face hold on to keep maintain meet succeed win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Do a better job of running with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears to take the heat off Ward.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

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

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

Old Charley Burns was out of the office at a stock-car race, so Dad had to take the heat.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor