Hot on somebody’s/something’s heels
phrase
Following closely behind someone or something.
The detective was hot on the thief's heels.
Often appears as...
- police are hot on his heels
- she was hot on my heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Close to achieving the same success or result as someone or something.
The new startup is hot on the heels of the industry leader.
Often appears as...
- hot on the heels of success
- hot on the heels of the leader
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Following closely behind someone or something.
The detective was hot on the thief's heels.
Often appears as...
- police are hot on his heels
- she was hot on my heels
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Close to achieving the same success or result as someone or something.
The new startup is hot on the heels of the industry leader.
Often appears as...
- hot on the heels of success
- hot on the heels of the leader
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Proximity
Implies someone is being closely followed, often in a literal chase or pursuit.
As soon as the gates opened, the sprinter was hot on the rival's heels.
Pro Tip 2/3Urgency and Pressure
Suggests a sense of urgency or creating pressure for the person being followed.
With deadlines approaching, her manager was hot on her heels for project updates.
Pro Tip 3/3Competitive Context
Often used in sports or competitions to describe a close margin between competitors.
The young athlete was hot on the champion's heels, threatening to take the lead.
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