“If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
This phrase means that if someone cannot handle the pressure, criticism, or challenges of a situation, they should leave it for someone who can.
Tone Direct and admonishing
Where it comes from
Attributed to U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who used it in the 1940s, referencing the atmosphere of a busy kitchen to illustrate the pressures of difficult roles or tasks.
Examples
- Running a company is tough—if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
- Political life is full of scrutiny; if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
- He quit the project after the first setback. Well, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
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