The phrase "brought heel" refers to a command to a dog to come to its owner and sit at their feet. The first word, "brought," is pronounced /brɔt/ with a hard "r" sound at the end. The second word, "heel," is pronounced /hil/ with a long "e" sound and no "d" at the end despite its written form. This spelling can be confusing for non-native speakers or those learning English as a second language, but mastering it is key to effective communication.
"Brought heel" is a phrase that has its origins in horse riding and refers to the act of training or controlling a horse by pulling its head downwards. This action causes the horse to lower its head and bring its hindquarters underneath itself, thus creating a balanced and controlled movement.
In horse training, when a horse is brought heel, it means that the rider has successfully managed to apply pressure on the reins or use other cues to encourage the horse to bring its hind legs under its body. This action helps the horse achieve better balance, engagement of its hindquarters, and collection. Collecting the horse is important for various equestrian disciplines, such as dressage or jumping, as it allows the horse to perform movements with greater agility and power.
The term "brought heel" is also metaphorically used in contexts other than horse riding. It can be applied to situations where someone or something is brought under control, tamed, or put in line. This can be in reference to managing difficult individuals, gaining control over unruly circumstances, or rectifying chaotic situations.
Overall, "brought heel" is a term originating from horsemanship that denotes the process of guiding and controlling a horse, but it has also been adopted figuratively to describe similar acts of controlling or managing various situations or individuals.