on the boil

colloquial idiom sport

The phrase "on the boil" is used in various contexts to describe intense activity, imminent action, or a state of development.

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Definition

B2Cooking

(literal)A liquid that is simmering strongly and about to reach its boiling point.

Example

Keep the pot on the boil until the pasta is fully cooked.

B2General

(colloquial)A situation that is about to happen or is imminent.

Example

With tensions high, a conflict seemed on the boil.

B2General

(colloquial)Continuing actively or in a state of development.

Example

The project is on the boil and moving forward rapidly.

B2Sports

(colloquial, rugby)A player running at full speed towards the opposition after receiving a pass.

Example

The winger was on the boil, charging towards the try line.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the boil":

boil up off the boil come to a boil boil over go off the boil bring to a boil simmer up boil off keep the pot boiling boil wash broil up steamed up boil down bubble up head of steam heat up hot on cook off boiling point on the turn on fire brew up on the up steaming up run hot hot up hot and bothered under the pump stew up put the pot on turn up the heat what's cooking up the spout steam up