phrase🎓 English idiom

in the heat of the moment

while overwhelmed by emotion

What it means

In the heat of the moment describes acting or speaking while overwhelmed by strong emotion, so that you don't think clearly. It's often used to explain or excuse something said or done impulsively during an intense situation.

Examples

I said some harsh things in the heat of the moment that I regret.
In the heat of the moment, he agreed to something he later refused.
Decisions made in the heat of the moment are rarely wise.
She apologised, explaining she'd lashed out in the heat of the moment.

Where it comes from

The phrase uses 'heat' as a long-standing metaphor for intense emotion or passion, an association in English since at least the 16th century.

Related idioms

#blow off steam #give someone a piece of your mind #jump the gun #throw caution to the wind

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