do a slow burn: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"Do a slow burn" is an idiom used to describe how a person reacts when they feel angry or irritated. Instead of immediately expressing or acting on their anger, they choose to suppress it and let it build up slowly. The term "a slow burn" refers to the slow, simmering anger that intensifies over time.

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts, especially in spoken English. It originates from American English and dates back to the early 20th century. While its exact etymology is uncertain, it likely comes from the imagery of a controlled fire or stove burner that burns slowly and steadily, gradually increasing in intensity without erupting right away.

"Do a slow burn" is often used to describe someone who appears calm on the surface but is actually seething with anger internally. It implies a deliberate choice to withhold or suppress immediate reactions and instead allow the anger to build up inside. This could involve maintaining a composed demeanor while feeling furious or purposely avoiding confrontations and choosing not to react immediately.

The idiom "do a slow burn" is closely related to the concept of emotional self-control and can be seen as an alternative to venting or expressing anger in the heat of the moment. It suggests a more calculated and restrained response, allowing the person to process and manage their anger before deciding how to address the situation.

The use of the idiom "do a slow burn" can convey a sense of hidden frustration and intensity beneath a calm exterior. It emphasizes the idea that someone may be experiencing intense anger even if they don't outwardly display it. The idiom also implies a level of self-discipline and a willingness to keep emotions in check, which can be seen as both positive and negative traits depending on the context.

While the idiom primarily conveys repressed anger, it can also be used more broadly to describe any situation in which emotions are suppressed and allowed to build up over time. It is a figurative expression that captures the concept of slow, internal emotional combustion rather than immediate and explosive reactions.

The idiom "do a slow burn" is a commonly used expression in informal American English to describe the act of suppressing anger or irritation, allowing it to gradually intensify over time. It suggests a restrained and calculated response to frustrating situations, highlighting the concept of emotional self-control. The idiom's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, but its exact etymology remains uncertain. "Do a slow burn" conveys a sense of hidden intensity beneath a composed exterior and can be a useful expression for describing situations where emotions are deliberately withheld and allowed to simmer.