Pronunciation: [hˈiːl ˈə͡ʊvə] (IPA) 
The word "heel over" is spelled as /hiːl ˈoʊvər/. This phrase is often used in sailing and refers to the tipping of a boat, causing it to lean to one side. The word "heel" refers to the act of leaning or tilting to one side, while "over" indicates the direction of the tilt. The pronunciation of the "h" sound is crucial in distinguishing "heel" from "eal", as the latter is a completely different word altogether.
"Heel over" is a phrase that primarily denotes the action of leaning excessively or tipping to one side, often used when referring to vessels or vehicles. It describes the act of sudden or dramatic tilting or rolling to an extreme angle, causing one side of the object to become lower than the other. This term is most commonly employed in the context of maritime or sailing activities, particularly when a boat or ship experiences a strong gust of wind or abrupt change in direction, causing it to lean over to one side.
The phrase can also be extended to apply to land vehicles such as cars or bicycles, where it refers to the act of tilting beyond normal levels due to factors like sharp turns, poor road conditions, or excessive speed. In this context, it suggests a loss of balance or stability, with the vehicle leaning dangerously to either the left or right side.
Overall, "heel over" signifies the sudden and often excessive leaning of an object, whether it be a vessel or a vehicle, resulting in a precarious angling to one side. The term captures the sense of imbalance or instability associated with such a dramatic tilting motion, particularly in situations involving watercraft or land transportation.
The phrase "heel over" can have different meanings depending on the context, so it would be helpful to know in which sense you are referring to it. Generally, "heel over" refers to the act of tipping or leaning to one side, usually referring to a ship or boat. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to nautical origins.
In nautical terms, "heel" refers to the inclination of a vessel or ship caused by the wind or other external forces. It describes the action of the vessel leaning or tilting to one side due to the wind's pressure on the sails. The term "heel" came from the Old English word "hēlan", meaning "to incline" or "to slant".
The addition of "over" in "heel over" emphasizes the extent or degree of the tilting or leaning. It suggests that the boat is tipping dramatically or significantly to one side.
