The humble heel. It’s the part of your shoe that elevates your look (and sometimes your height!), but did you know it’s also bursting with idioms? That’s right, these everyday expressions use “heel” in surprising ways to convey a range of meanings. So, lace up your metaphorical boots and let’s explore the world of heel idioms!
List of Heel Idioms
Achilles’ heel
To be at someone’s heels
To cool one’s heels
To dig in one’s heels
To drag one’s heels
To be on one’s heels
Head over heels
To turn on one’s heel
On someone’s heels
Take to one’s heels
Show someone a clean pair of heels
Under the heel of
Bring someone to heel
Heel Idioms with Meaning and Examples
Achilles’ heel
Meaning: A vulnerable point or weakness.
Example: His lack of confidence was his Achilles’ heel during job interviews.
To be at someone’s heels
Meaning: To closely follow or pursue someone.
Example: The police were at the thief’s heels as he ran through the streets.
To cool one’s heels
Meaning: To wait idly or impatiently.
Example: He had to cool his heels in the waiting room until the doctor was ready to see him.
To dig in one’s heels
Meaning: To refuse to change one’s opinion or course of action.
Example: Despite the protests, the company CEO dug in his heels and refused to reconsider the decision.
To drag one’s heels
Meaning: To delay or be slow in doing something.
Example: The project is behind schedule because some team members are dragging their heels.
To be on one’s heels
Meaning: To be in a defensive or unprepared position.
Example: The team was caught on their heels by the sudden attack.
Head over heels
Meaning: To be deeply in love or infatuated.
Example: She’s head over heels for her new boyfriend.
To turn on one’s heel
Meaning: To turn around quickly, often to leave or go in the opposite direction.
Example: He turned on his heel and walked out of the room without saying a word.
On someone’s heels
Meaning: Closely following or pursuing someone.
Example: The police were on the thief’s heels as he tried to escape.
Take to one’s heels
Meaning: Run away or flee.
Example: When they heard the sirens, the burglars took to their heels.
Show someone a clean pair of heels
Meaning: To run away from someone, usually in a way that is hard to catch.
Example: The thief showed the security guard a clean pair of heels and disappeared into the night.
Under the heel of
Meaning: Controlled or oppressed by someone.
Example: The citizens felt they were under the heel of the dictator’s regime.
Bring someone to heel
Meaning: To make someone obey or submit to authority.
Example: The coach had to bring the unruly players to heel before the game.
So next time you’re chatting with someone, consider giving these heel idioms a whirl. They’ll add a touch of color and imagery to your conversation, leaving a lasting impression on your listener.
