close on the heels of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘close on the heels of’ mean?
The idiom "close on the heels of" means to happen very soon after something else, usually referring to events, developments, or actions that occur in quick succession.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lead up to" means to precede or prepare for something, typically an event or action. It implies a progression or sequence of events that culminate in the main event or action.
The idiom "last thing" means the final action or event that occurs before a particular time or event. It emphasizes the timing or order in which something happens. It can also refer to the least important or least desirable action or event in a sequence.
The idiom "last minute" refers to the final moments before a deadline or event. It suggests that something is done or happens with very little time or notice remaining, often causing rushed or stressful situations.
The idiom "in the wake of" means to happen or occur after a significant event, often referring to the consequences or aftermath of that event.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
In the nick of time is an English idiom that describes an action or event that happens just in time to prevent something negative from occurring. It emphasizes the narrow margin or last-minute nature of the occurrence.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "hot on someone's heels" means to be very close behind someone, often in pursuit or with the intention of catching or overtaking them.
The idiom "hot on" means to be closely pursuing or following someone or something, usually in terms of investigation or discovery.
The idiom "happen along" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It consists of the verb "happen" and the preposition "along," forming a complete phrase with its own distinct meaning.
Exploring 'Follows Closely After'
The idiom "close on the heels of" holds a specific meaning in the English language. It is often used to represent something following closely after or in quick succession to something else. The phrase creates a vivid imagery of a pursuit, with one event or action chasing or closely following another.
The origins and etymology of this idiom are not precise or well-documented, as is often the case with idiomatic expressions. However, the phrase's usage can be traced back to the 18th century, and it continues to be employed in contemporary writing and speech.
The primary definition of the idiom implies temporal proximity or immediacy, indicating that something is happening or occurring shortly after another event. It can also be used metaphorically to describe closely related occurrences or outcomes.
The idiom "close on the heels of" can be applied to various contexts. For example, it can describe how news reports can follow each other in quick succession. It can also highlight the connections between subsequent actions or consequences. This idiom lends a sense of urgency, anticipation, or inevitability, emphasizing the swift succession or close association of events.
One related idiom to "close on the heels of" is "hot on someone's heels." This phrase indicates that someone is pursuing another person closely, not allowing them to escape or create much distance between them. It adds to the imagery of the pursuit and emphasizes the close proximity of the pursuer.
In addition to "hot on someone's heels," another related idiom is "close in on." This phrase also captures the idea of pursuit, but with a focus on encroachment or closing the gap. It suggests that someone or something is nearing their target or goal, getting closer and closer in pursuit.
Finally, "in the wake of" is another idiomatic expression related to "close on the heels of." This phrase conveys the aftermath or consequence of a particular event or action. It suggests that something follows or happens as a result of what came before, creating a sense of succession and connection.
By using the phrase "close on the heels of" and incorporating related idioms, speakers or writers can create vivid and concise ways to convey the swift timing, nearness, pursuit, and consequences of successive events, actions, or developments. These idiomatic expressions enrich the language by capturing the essence of dynamic progression, whether in storytelling, news articles, or everyday conversations.
The idiom "close on the heels of" is a powerful linguistic tool that enables us to describe the temporal proximity or close connection between events or actions. Its origins remain somewhat elusive, yet its usage persists and evolves within the English language. This idiom, along with its related idioms, offers a succinct and evocative means of expressing the quick succession, pursuit, encroachment, and consequences of subsequent events or outcomes, enriching our ability to communicate effectively and vividly.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "close on the heels of" can be used in a sentence:
- After winning the championship, they were close on the heels of their rivals for the next season.
- The company's new product release came close on the heels of their successful marketing campaign.
- She finished the marathon close on the heels of the lead runner.
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