boil up
To make a liquid very hot until it bubbles strongly, or for a feeling to start growing quickly and strongly inside you.
Meanings
To heat a liquid until it reaches boiling point and bubbles vigorously.
"He boiled up a large pot of water for the pasta."
(Of an emotion or situation) To intensify rapidly, suggesting an imminent outburst.
"She could feel the anger boiling up inside her as she listened to his excuses."
(Of trouble or conflict) To develop and grow more intense, suggesting things are about to get worse.
"There's trouble boiling up along the border — the situation could escalate at any moment."
The literal sense is common in everyday cooking contexts. The figurative sense describes strong emotions (anger, resentment) rising inside a person — often suggesting they are about to explode. 'Something is boiling up inside me' is a common pattern.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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