On the heater

[vredes]

Hi, what does 'on the heater' mean? I thought I heard it once, but can't figure out the meaning. Thanks.

[Anglika]

Without the context, not possible to be sure. There is a term "on the back burner" which means that something is in process of being created but is on hold until something else is done.

[vredes]

A and B are waiting for C to get back from his trip to Vegas. B says to A: ''When you're on the heater, you don't quit.'' Or something like that.

[Anglika]

In this context it seems to mean that someone is hot on the trail of something [maybe a clue in a murder case] and does not want to stop.

[vredes]

Thanks Anglika! Unfortunately it's not as thrilling as a murder case. Ha..ha..

[digitS']

I haven't heard this idiom but have to say that in the context as explained, it sounds as though a fire has been lit under "C."

A fire or "hot feet" will make him move. To continue in idiomatic language, no grass will be growing under his feet .

Steve

[Barb_D]

If he's gambling and winning, you would say he's on a "hot streak" so maybe that's what he meant by "on the heater" -- he was on a hot streak.

I've never heard this before, though, so it's not a phrase in common use (outside of the gambling community, perhaps?).