Under the heel of somebody

usgb
phrase

To be completely controlled or oppressed by someone.

The people are living under the heel of a brutal dictator.
Visual representation of "under the heel of somebody" - To be completely controlled or oppressed by someone

Often appears as...

  • ruled under the heel of
  • living under the heel of

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "under the heel of somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Power Imbalance

Use when showing that one person or group has much more power over another.

Illustration for Power Imbalance
After the merger, employees felt they were under the heel of the new management.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Has a negative feeling, suggesting abuse of power or unfair treatment.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The tenants were under the heel of the landlord who would never repair anything.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

It's metaphorical, there's no literal heel or control, but rather a feeling of being dominated.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The artists felt they were under the heel of the censor board.
Visual representation of the word "Under the heel of somebody"

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