red-hot

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   so hot that it glows red

   The blacksmith laid the red-hot iron across the anvil.

2. 2
   adj

   marked by extremely strong emotion, intensity, or controversy

   The proposed ban provoked a red-hot debate in parliament.

3. 3
   adj

   very new, exciting, and of intense public interest

   Reporters competed for details of the red-hot political story.

4. 4
   adj

   currently performing extremely well or considered very likely to win

   The red-hot team entered the final after six consecutive victories.

A compound of red + hot. Its literal sense describes metal or another material heated until it glows red; the vivid image later produced figurative senses for intense emotion, urgent public interest, and exceptional current performance.

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