Pot Boiler

Music folks use the term "pot boiler" to mean some red-hot piece that is hot enough to boil water.  Think "barn burner" and you have it.

We all have those little expressions and true to human nature one person's red hot poker is another's cool cucumber.

I just heard this old war-horse on my Internet radio station that I kinda thought it might fit the bill.....all cliches aside.