boilling-point

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The temperature at which a liquid boils: "boiling-point" is the specific temperature at which a liquid changes from a liquid state to a vapor or gas state, typically measured at standard atmospheric pressure. For water, this is 100°C (212°F).
    • A state of high excitement or anger: Figuratively, "boiling-point" refers to a critical point at which emotions, especially anger or tension, become uncontrollable or erupt.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (literal):

    • The boiling-point of water is 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. (The temperature at which water begins to boil.)
    • To cook pasta, you must first bring the water to its boiling-point. (Heat the water until it reaches the temperature where it boils.)

  • Noun (figurative):

    • After hours of arguing, their frustration reached a boiling-point. (Their anger became so intense that it was about to explode.)
    • The political tension in the region is nearing its boiling-point. (The situation is becoming dangerously close to conflict.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to reach boiling-point": to arrive at a critical or explosive stage.

    • The protest reached its boiling-point when the crowd began to push against the barriers. (The situation escalated to a dangerous level.)

  • "at boiling-point": in a state of imminent eruption or crisis.

    • The negotiations are at boiling-point; one wrong word could end them. (The talks are extremely tense.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Boil (verb): to change from liquid to vapor by heating.

    • She will boil the eggs for breakfast. (She will cook them in boiling water.)

  • Boiling (adj/verb): very hot; the act of boiling.

    • The boiling water is dangerous to touch. (The water is at or near its boiling-point.)
Synonyms
  • Critical point: the moment when a situation becomes decisive or dangerous.
  • Flashpoint: a temperature at which something ignites; metaphorically, a point at which conflict erupts.
Related Idioms

  • Boil over: to become so agitated that emotions or actions spill out uncontrollably.

    • His anger boiled over during the meeting. (His emotions erupted suddenly.)

  • Make someone's blood boil: to cause extreme anger.

    • The unfair treatment made her blood boil. (It made her very angry.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Boil down to: to reduce to a basic or essential point.

    • The problem boils down to a lack of communication. (The core issue is poor communication.)

  • Boil up: to intensify or increase, especially emotions.

    • Tensions boiled up between the two groups. (They grew stronger and more dangerous.)