It is getting very hot and humid in Japan. It looks like it is going to be a long, hot summer…I wonder if I can stand* the heat…

(*In this example, ‘stand’ means ‘put up with’/’endure’.)

There is a very famous English saying about “standing the heat”. Can you complete it?

If you can’t stand the heat…

a) buy a fan

b) go swimming

c) get out of  the kitchen

d) don’t go out in summer

The answer is below! ↓

Answer: c) 

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Meaning: Don’t continue to do something that is too stressful for you, or if the pressure is too much for you.

Example: 

A: How is your new job? Are you enjoying it?

B: I hate it! It’s really tough.  There is a lot of pressure and I have to work seven days a week. I am so stressed, I can’t sleep at night!

A: If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! You should look for a new job with less stress.