running 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.
See also:
  • run 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 periodicals archive
Malik offers a wealth of case studies ranging from Moorish Spain and the Ottoman Empire to the present day; from the eruptions of anti-Islamic feeling over the Salman Rushdie affair to the misinterpretation of Islam currently running high on the agenda of the 'war on terror'.
Islam and Modernity Muslims in Europe and the United States
With user interest running high, Barrett Builders is working to find additional land or property to be renovated for those companies that have already recognized the cost-efficiency of the metropolitan market.
Brownfields no longer a dirty word for developers
Even when the tension started running high and some of my other black friends became combative, Daryl and I never denounced one another; we never left one another's side.
What of loyalty?
Feelings are running high at Barrow after more than 100 Scots transferred to the yard from ailing Scottish shipyards.
Anti-Scots ballot is vetoed
Besides, say organic backers, interest in organic food is strong in Europe and Japan, where fear of genetic engineering and chemical farming has been running high.
Sugar Daddy
The Mighty Mississippi has been running high this year.
CAPTAIN CLEANUP OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Legislation to protect the environment is generally a matter for the individual state, but ecological passions running high throughout the country have on occasion superseded the local.
Green states
To help combat the resultant high bottom from running high carbon heats, the bottom can be brought down by making low carbon heats and dressing with SPAR, aluminum shot or fine ferrosilicon in small amounts.
Avoiding high bottoms in brick-lined arc furnaces
Imports of extrusion machines have been running high along with certain types of presses.
Machinery sales continue strong
Summary: Islamabad [Pakistan], Mar 2 (ANI): Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has found herself in theEe tight spot after she cheered for war in a recent tweet when tensions were running high between India and Pakistan, which has upset her fans in Pakistan.
Petition filed by people in Pakistan seek Priyanka ChopraaACAOs removal as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Emotions were running high after the game but that's always the case.
LENNY: PLAYERS OWE ME BIG ONE
Summary: Tensions are running high in Bangkok after grenade explosions wounded two soldiers at a military base in the Thai capital.
Grenade attack amid Bangkok protests