Come to heel
verb phrase
To obey or follow instructions or rules after previously not doing so.
After a stern warning from his parents, the rebellious teenager finally came to heel.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To bring a dog under control or command it to follow closely.
The trainer struggled at first, but ultimately she managed to make the dog come to heel.
Usage tips
Technical
verb phrase
To stop resisting and start following orders or directives usually after being reprimanded or challenged.
After challenging the manager's decision, he had to come to heel when threatened with job loss.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To obey or follow instructions or rules after previously not doing so.
After a stern warning from his parents, the rebellious teenager finally came to heel.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To bring a dog under control or command it to follow closely.
The trainer struggled at first, but ultimately she managed to make the dog come to heel.
Usage tips
Technical
verb phrase
To stop resisting and start following orders or directives usually after being reprimanded or challenged.
After challenging the manager's decision, he had to come to heel when threatened with job loss.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Resistance Change
Used when someone resists authority then complies, often under pressure.
He didn't want to do his homework but came to heel when grounded.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
May imply submission or losing one's will to resist.
Despite his arguments, John had to come to heel to keep his position.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Highlights a power struggle where one side eventually dominates.
The employees came to heel after the new policy was strictly enforced.
Pro Tip 1/3Resistance Change
Used when someone resists authority then complies, often under pressure.
He didn't want to do his homework but came to heel when grounded.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
May imply submission or losing one's will to resist.
Despite his arguments, John had to come to heel to keep his position.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Highlights a power struggle where one side eventually dominates.
The employees came to heel after the new policy was strictly enforced.
Pro Tip 1/3Resistance Change
Used when someone resists authority then complies, often under pressure.
He didn't want to do his homework but came to heel when grounded.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
May imply submission or losing one's will to resist.
Despite his arguments, John had to come to heel to keep his position.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Highlights a power struggle where one side eventually dominates.
The employees came to heel after the new policy was strictly enforced.
Never forget "Come to heel"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension