run high

run high

To be very intense; to increase to an intense level, typically due to a specific cause. Often said of "emotions" or "tensions." Of course they're arguing—emotions always run high when those two get together.
See also: high, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

running high

[for feelings] to be in a state of excitement or anger. Feelings were running high as the general election approached. The mood of the crowd was running high when they saw the mother slap her child.
See also: high, running
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

run high

Be intense, as in Feelings are running high on the issue of raising taxes. This expression, first recorded in 1711, transfers the strong currents or tides that make for high waves to human concerns.
See also: high, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

run high

be strong or tumultuous.
The image here is of waves or tides rising above their normal height, especially in stormy conditions.
1993 Wall Street Journal Europe Everybody knows it is an exercise, but emotions nevertheless run high as the Army ‘augmentees’ warm to their roles.
See also: high, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

run ˈhigh

(especially of feelings) be strong and angry or excited: As usual, emotions ran high at the awards ceremony last night.
See also: high, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • running high
  • intense
  • mizzle
  • mizzle a wild card word for words beginning with
  • give (one) (one's) dues
  • give somebody their due
  • give someone his or her due
  • light stuff
  • send chills up (one's) spine
References in classic literature
To whom it is no matter what living waters run high or low, reflect the heavenly lights and darknesses, produce their little growth of weeds and flowers, turn here, turn there, are noisy or still, are troubled or at rest, for their course has one sure termination, though their sources and devices are many.
Little Gazan started to run toward his mother, but she warned him away with a quick "Kreeg-ah!" telling him to run high into a tall tree.
As when the waves run high before the blast of the south wind and break on some lofty headland, dashing against it and buffeting it without ceasing, as the storms from every quarter drive them, even so did the Achaeans rise and hurry in all directions to their ships.
In a statement issue on Tuesday, he said that it is a big achievement which is also indicative of the technical skills and expertise of Pakistan Railway to run high speed trains.
"And the intervention raises a thorny question: Who takes the blame if the securities firms suffer losses because they had to make investments against their better judgment?" Concerns run high over falling stock prices; high levels of margin trading, or investors borrowing money from a broker to purchase stock; high-risk loans that depend on stock as collateral; and pressures on large institutions to hold stocks to maintain a price level in stock indices.
Many of these spills are caused by oil theft and pipeline sabotage, a crime committed daily in the Niger Delta, where frustrations among millions of people in poverty run high.
The suggestion of a night shelter for failed asylum seekers in the old school building in Kirkheaton caused emotions to run high in the village.
Emotions run high as Pete and Violet anxiously prepare for their wedding day, but Cooper may have to intervene when emotions and fear of the future run high.
Community tensions have run high in Coleraine since the murder of Catholic community worker Kevin McDaid by a loyalist mob in May.
Summary: Fears run high that Venezuela could become a base of operations for Hizbullah, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday.
Custom-ers can run high volume production runs at the same feeds and speeds they normally would.
When it comes to divorce, emotions and the desire to be litigious often run high. The toll on a divorcing family is both emotional and financial--and it can be devastating to both children and parents.
Katzen supplies delicious, interesting, and often quick recipes (Roasted Cauliflower, Five-Minute Green Beans, Bulgur-Pine Nut Pilaf), though some could run high in salt.
But doubts remain and emotions still run high both here and in whichever luxury resort Sir Alex is currently enjoying a well-earned break with his team of legal and medical experts.