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in the heat of

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in the heat of something

while there is much activity and strong emotions Sometimes in the heat of an election campaign a candidate makes a mistake.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form in the heat of the moment (while experiencing strong emotions): His remarks were made in the heat of the moment.

See also: heat, of

in the heat of

In the most intense or active stage of some activity or condition. For example, One never knows how soldiers will behave in the heat of battle, or In the heat of the moment she accepted his proposal, or In the heat of the negotiations he forgot to call his wife. [Late 1500s]

See also: heat, of