"At the heels of" is a common English expression that means to closely follow or pursue. The correct spelling of this phrase is straightforward, but understanding its phonetic transcription may assist in proper pronunciation. The IPA transcription of "at the heels of" is /æt ðə hils ʌv/. The phonemes in the transcription represent the individual sounds of the words in the phrase. Proper understanding of the phonemes will help learners accurately read and pronounce the phrase in everyday conversations.
"At the heels of" is a phrase used to describe something that follows closely behind or is in immediate pursuit of another entity or event. This expression often conveys a sense of proximity or temporal connection between two things.
In a literal sense, it refers to the act of standing or moving very close to the heels of someone, typically in a position of close surveillance or attention. For example, a guard dog might be at the heels of its owner, walking closely behind and vigilant.
However, the figurative usage of this phrase is more common. When used metaphorically, "at the heels of" implies a close follow-up or close succession to something that has occurred. It indicates a rapid or immediate response to a prior action, event, or development. For instance, if one says that a significant announcement came at the heels of a major project completion, it suggests that the announcement was made shortly after the completion of the project.
Moreover, "at the heels of" can imply a sense of persistent pursuit or continuous pressure exerted onto someone or something. When used in this context, it suggests that something or someone is relentlessly following or chasing another entity. For example, a news story published "at the heels of" a scandal indicates that the media is closely monitoring and reporting on the developments related to the scandal.