Hot on somebody’s/something’stracks/trail
phrase
Following someone or something closely or quickly, especially to try to catch or find them.
The police are hot on the trail of the criminals who escaped from prison.
Often appears as...
- police are hot on the trail
- detectives hot on the trail
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Close to discovering something or finding a solution.
Scientists are hot on the trail of a new cure for cancer.
Often appears as...
- scientists hot on the trail
- investigators hot on the trail
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Following someone or something closely or quickly, especially to try to catch or find them.
The police are hot on the trail of the criminals who escaped from prison.
Often appears as...
- police are hot on the trail
- detectives hot on the trail
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Close to discovering something or finding a solution.
Scientists are hot on the trail of a new cure for cancer.
Often appears as...
- scientists hot on the trail
- investigators hot on the trail
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency Implied
This phrase often indicates a sense of urgency and immediate action in pursuing someone.
Detectives are hot on the thief's trail, searching every possible hideout.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is usually used metaphorically, not meaning someone is physically close behind.
The competition is hot on our tracks with their new product release.
Pro Tip 3/3Determined Pursuit
It conveys the pursuer's determination to follow the lead until the end.
The journalist was hot on the trail of the scandal, revealing truths at every turn.
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