slow burn
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It's extremely tempting to write a segue here about Wolf's career having had its own teething troubles – but, in truth, it's been more of a slow burn on a long fuse.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
The story of her disintegrating marriage to fellow writer Murray Bail makes for a slow burn of suspense and readerly alarm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
Fourteen itemized complaints, most concerning fiscal matters, are presented with sobriety, plus a slow burn of understandable anger.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025
But for the audience, those sentiments more accurately reflect Ramsay’s film, a slow burn that exhausts its welcome and dies in a blaze after losing its grip on a meandering narrative.
From Salon • Nov. 7, 2025
Mom is a slow burn; she’s not going to let it all out at once.
From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon
