kill the heat

Definition

To turn off a burner or oven, usually shouted in panic when something is seconds away from burning. The culinary version of hitting the brakes.

Example Usage

Kill the heat on that pan—the butter's about to burn!

Origin

Kitchen cooking communication

Fun Fact

In chaotic kitchens, 'kill the heat' is often shouted in the same tone as 'fire in the hole,' and with similar urgency.

Source: Kitchen communication terminology

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