boiling pitch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boiling pitch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is extremely intense or heated, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The debate reached a boiling pitch as both sides passionately argued their points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When St. Agatha of Sicily refused to give up her virginity to a Roman governor, she had her breasts torn off with pincers, while the equally stalwart St. Lucy was doused with boiling pitch.

The New York Times - Books

But now the horror begins: souls tossed this way and that on stormy winds, torn apart by a three-headed dog under endless rain, sunk in bogs, sunk in boiling pitch, sunk in shit, sunk in blistering tombs, sunk in solid ice.

The New Yorker

It's hard to know what Dante would have made of flaming Fiats, but it seems likely that he would have sympathized with the protesters: for the abuse of public trust, he prescribed swimming in boiling pitch, and for avarice, an eternity spent rolling stones in circles.

The New Yorker

For example, occupants of Hell who in 1955 were standing night and day in boiling pitch up to their knees report that, owing to the expansion of pitch at higher temperatures, they now must endure the torment all the way up to mid-thigh, or even higher, during Hell's warmer seasons.

The New Yorker

In a gentle grandfatherly voice, the Chief told us a story of a coyote and two dogs -- the point of which was lost to me as the steam swelled to a boiling pitch in the small enclosure.

Huffington Post

The building contains many defensive features of the times, including parapets, false doors, dead-end corridors, murder-holes for pouring boiling pitch over the attackers, moats, drawbridges and various other death traps to protect the nobles against peasant uprisings.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At Beghuset they boiled pitch, used to waterproof wooden ships.

The New York Times - Travel

The walls themselves were fitted with provisions for hoardings, which were overhanging wooden galleries from which arrows, stones, and unpleasant substances such as boiling tar and pitch could be dropped or poured on an attacker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Being eternally boiled in pitch, Sinclair's commentary explains, is an appropriate punishment for public officials who have accepted bribes, because pitch, like dirty money, is sticky, prevents clarity of vision, and rarely allows the sinner to surface.

The New Yorker

A woman keening in the kitchen to the pitch of boiling water, you shut her up with the butt of your gun.

The New Yorker

In this way, the optimal structure of the inner helical tube is a small pitch in the single-phase region and a large pitch in the boiling region.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boiling pitch" to evoke a sense of intense heat, torment, or a dangerous situation. It's most effective when aiming for a vivid and dramatic image.

Common error

Avoid using "boiling pitch" in contexts where a literal description of heated material is intended, as its primary function is often metaphorical, suggesting intense discomfort or a highly charged atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boiling pitch" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a state of extreme intensity or torment. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies both literal (historical defensive measures) and figurative (emotional turmoil) scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "boiling pitch" is a noun phrase that functions metaphorically to convey extreme intensity or torment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and presence in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to science and wiki sources. While not exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker underscores its recognition and usability. Use it carefully to evoke a vivid and dramatic image related to heat, torment, or dangerous situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fiery intensity

Emphasizes the passionate and energetic nature of something.

fervent intensity

Highlights the passionate and intense nature of something.

intense fervor

Focuses on the emotional intensity rather than the literal image of boiling pitch.

extreme agitation

Highlights the state of being disturbed or excited.

heightened tension

Focuses on the tension and suspense.

peak of excitement

Emphasizes the maximum level of excitement.

acute excitement

Highlights a strong feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness.

extreme pressure

Emphasizes the stress and strain of a situation.

scalding liquid

Shifts the focus to the heat and material of the liquid, losing the metaphorical sense.

high degree of heat

Focuses on the temperature and intensity of the heat.

FAQs

How can I use "boiling pitch" in a sentence?

You can use "boiling pitch" to describe situations of intense torment, extreme heat, or highly volatile emotions. For example: "The debate reached a boiling pitch as both sides passionately argued their points."

What does "boiling pitch" symbolize?

"Boiling pitch" often symbolizes intense suffering, punishment, or a highly dangerous and volatile situation. Its connotations derive from historical uses of hot pitch as a weapon or instrument of torture.

What are some phrases similar to "boiling pitch"?

Similar phrases include "intense fervor", "fiery intensity", or "extreme agitation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "boiling pitch" an outdated expression?

While not frequently used in everyday conversation, "boiling pitch" remains a recognizable and evocative phrase, particularly in historical, literary, or dramatic contexts. It's not outdated, but its usage should be appropriate to the setting and tone.