Explaining "If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem Yesterday, 21:24

English.me team member

What does it mean?

If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

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

Origin

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 of usage

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.