At/on somebody’s heels
preposition
Closely following or pursuing someone.
The police were hot on the thief's heels.
Often appears as...
- hot on someone's heels
- right on someone's heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
preposition
Soon after or behind.
Winter is here with spring right on its heels.
Often appears as...
- right on its heels
- directly on its heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
preposition
Closely following or pursuing someone.
The police were hot on the thief's heels.
Often appears as...
- hot on someone's heels
- right on someone's heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
preposition
Soon after or behind.
Winter is here with spring right on its heels.
Often appears as...
- right on its heels
- directly on its heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Chase Scenario
Used when someone is being literally or figuratively chased, creating urgency or tension.
The detective was right on the suspect's heels, closing the gap.
Pro Tip 2/3Competition
Often used to describe a close contest where competitors follow each other closely.
She's leading the race, with her rival hot on her heels.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity
Illustrates the intensity of the pursuit and the narrow distance between two entities.
The guard dog was on the intruder's heels as he tried to escape.
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