English from all angles! Check out EP 68 to test your listening comprehension of some of the most commonly used word combinations in English. Also, learn the phrasal verbs “heat up”, “cool down” and “crack down”. To heat up = to become intense. > There are many riots and protests taking place in the US; things are heating up. To crack down (on) = to take strong measures against bad/illegal behavior. > The police are cracking down on looting. To cool down = to become less intense. > Fewer revolts demonstrate that the situation is starting to cool down.