In the Heat of the Night Glossary

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In the Heat of the Night Glossary

By · Edited by Patrick Kennedy · Last reviewed

Funny name

a name which a person my find to be unsuitable and even degrading

Motive

the reason for which a person did a crime

To ruffle someone

to make fun of someone, to cause someone to become irritated, to beat someone

Big head

in this context, confidence

Colored time

a reference made here to the time a person spends it jail, used to denote inhuman treatment and cruel punishments

Free hand

permission given to a person to do what he or she wants

Busted

broken

Drive someone to drink

an event which may push a person to become an alcoholic

Whipping boy

person blamed for the shortcomings of other people

To berate someone

to criticize someone in a harsh manner

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Study Guide for In the Heat of the Night

In the Heat of the Night study guide contains a biography of Norman Jewison, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

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