red-hot
UK: ˌred ˈhɒt | US: ˌred ˈhɑːt
adj. extremely hot in temperature
adj. intensely passionate or excited
adj. (of news or trends) very recent and popular
The compound "red-hot" combines "red," referencing the color of glowing metal or flames at peak heat, with "hot," denoting high temperature. The pairing vividly conveys extreme heat or intensity, extending metaphorically to emotions or trends. The term has been used since Middle English, originally describing heated metal (e.g., "red-hot iron") before broadening to figurative contexts.
The blacksmith pulled the red-hot metal from the forge.
Their red-hot romance was the talk of the town.
The band’s latest single is a red-hit hit on streaming platforms.
Be careful—the stove is red-hot after hours of cooking.
The debate grew red-hot as tempers flared.