To become more intense, exciting, dangerous, or competitive.
When a situation gets more exciting or dangerous, it 'hots up'.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
For a situation, competition, or conflict to become more intense or exciting.
"The election campaign is really hotting up as polling day approaches."
Things are hotting up in the Premier League title race.
— BBC Sport (recurring phrasing in match reporting, widely attested)
For the weather to become hotter, especially during a prolonged warm period.
"The summer is really hotting up — it's been over 35 degrees all week."
To become hot — the temperature rises; used figuratively.
When a situation gets more exciting or dangerous, it 'hots up'.
Chiefly British English. Frequently used in news and sports reporting. Not common in American English, where 'heat up' is preferred. Often used to describe competitions, politics, weather, or conflict intensifying.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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