HEEL Meaning and
Definition
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Heel is a noun that possesses multiple meanings and can be used to describe various things or concepts. One of its primary definitions refers to the back part of the human foot below the ankle. This area is characterized by its strong and often flexible structure, acting as a connection between the foot and the leg. Additionally, heel can also refer to the rear part of any anatomical structure resembling the human foot, such as the foot of a quadruped animal or the back part of a shoe.
Heel is also used metaphorically to represent the back or hindmost part of an object or thing. For instance, the heel of a loaf of bread refers to the rearmost or bottom part of the bread. Furthermore, heel can denote a certain position used for certain activities, such as in dance or sports. In dance, the proper placement of the heel is pivotal for maintaining balance and executing correct movements. In sports like figure skating or skiing, heel is utilized to describe specific techniques or maneuvers involving the utilization of the heel for control or balance.
Another meaning for heel relates to a person's behavior or character. In this context, heel refers to someone who is selfish, deceitful, or untrustworthy. It is often used as a derogatory term to describe someone who lacks loyalty or tends to act immorally.
Overall, heel encompasses a range of meanings, including the back part of the foot or shoe, the hindmost part of a structure or object, a specific position in dance or sports, and an undesirable personality trait in a person.
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1. Calx the posterior, rounded extremity of the foot. 2. Talon, a posterior small cusp of a tooth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• To lean on one side, as a ship.
• The hind part of the foot; hind part of a shoe or stocking; the latter or remaining part of a thing; among seamen, the lower end of anything, as of a mast.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HEEL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HEEL
Etymology of HEEL
The word "heel" has an interesting etymology. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "hēla", which means "heel of foot" or "back of the foot". This word is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic word "hanhilōn", which also meant "heel". Furthermore, this Proto-Germanic word is thought to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*kenk-", meaning "bend", "hook", or "angle". The concept of the heel being the part of the foot that bends or angles backward led to the development of the word "heel". Over time, its meaning expanded beyond the anatomical heel to include other things with similar physical characteristics or functions, such as the end of a loaf of bread or the hind part of a ship.
Idioms with the word HEEL
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under the heel of sth/sb
The idiom "under the heel of sth/sb" typically means being under the control or domination of something or someone. It refers to a situation where someone is oppressed, subjugated, or subjected to another person or entity's authority or power.
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Achilles' heel
The idiom "Achilles' heel" refers to a vulnerable or weak point in a person's character or abilities despite their overall strength or superiority. It originates from Greek mythology, referring to the legendary hero Achilles, who was invulnerable except for his heel, ultimately leading to his downfall.
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under heel
The idiom "under heel" typically refers to someone who is completely under the control or dominance of another person or group. It suggests being oppressed, subdued, or kept in a state of servitude.
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heel in
The idiom "heel in" refers to the act of complying or conforming to rules, orders, or instructions given by someone in a position of authority or power. It implies obeying or following commands without question or protest, similar to a dog or horse that obediently heels or follows its master's commands.
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turn/spin on your heel
The idiom "turn/spin on your heel" refers to a quick and abrupt movement made by someone, typically by pivoting on their heel. It often indicates that the person is leaving or quickly changing direction in a decisive manner. This idiom is metaphorical, emphasizing a swift and determined action or reaction rather than a literal physical movement.
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under (one's) heel
The idiom "under (one's) heel" means to be under someone's control or domination. It implies having a significant influence or power over someone, often leading to their subordination or submission.
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under the heel of
The idiom "under the heel of" refers to being under someone's control or dominance, often implying oppression or subjugation. It describes a situation where someone is being subjected to another person's authority, influence, or power, with limited freedom or autonomy.
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under the heel of (someone)
The idiom "under the heel of (someone)" refers to being under someone's control or power, usually in a submissive or oppressed position. It implies that the person in question has authority or dominance over others and can dictate their actions or decisions.
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turn on one's heel
The idiom "turn on one's heel" refers to abruptly and quickly changing direction or reversing one's actions, typically accompanied by leaving or departing from a situation. It implies an immediate and decisive change of course or response.
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bring a dog to heel
The idiom "bring a dog to heel" means to assert control or discipline over someone or to make them obey or submit to authority. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of regaining control or managing a situation effectively.
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turn on heel
The idiom "turn on heel" refers to a quick change of direction or a sudden departure. It indicates the act of abruptly pivoting on one's heel and going in the opposite direction or swiftly leaving a place or situation.
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Achilles heel
The idiom "Achilles heel" refers to a person's vulnerable or weak point. It originates from the Greek myth of Achilles, the legendary warrior, whose only vulnerability was his heel. The term is commonly used to describe an individual's area of weakness that can potentially lead to their downfall or failure.
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an/somebody's Achilles' heel
The idiom "someone's Achilles' heel" refers to a weakness or vulnerability that an individual possesses, often leading to their downfall or failure. It is derived from Greek mythology, where the hero Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel, which became his only weak point and eventually caused his death.
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call (someone) to heel
The idiom "call (someone) to heel" refers to the act of demanding obedience or control over someone, usually in a firm or authoritative manner. It originates from the image of controlling a dog by giving a command for it to return to one's side, with the dog's "heel" being the position near its owner's foot. In a figurative sense, it means to assert authority and instruct someone to comply with one's wishes or expectations.
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down at heel
The idiom "down at heel" refers to someone or something that is in a poor or shabby condition, both physically and/or in terms of their social or economic status. It suggests a state of decline or neglect.
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under the heel of somebody
The idiom "under the heel of somebody" refers to being under someone's control or authority, often in a restrictive or oppressive manner. It implies a position of subservience or being dominated by someone else's power and influence.
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down at the heel
The idiom "down at the heel" refers to someone who is shabby, unkempt, or in a state of decline. It often describes someone whose appearance or condition has deteriorated, especially in terms of their dress or personal upkeep.
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bring to heel
The idiom "bring to heel" means to establish control or discipline over someone or to force them to obey or submit to authority. It often implies that the person being brought to heel had been acting defiantly or disobediently prior to this. The idiom originates from the image of a well-trained dog walking obediently by its owner's side, with the owner often tugging on the dog's leash to bring it under control.
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out at the heel (or heels)
The idiom "out at the heel (or heels)" refers to someone who is poorly dressed or whose clothes are worn out, specifically referring to the condition of their shoes or heels. It can also metaphorically describe someone who is impoverished, neglected, or in a state of decline.
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couldn't pour water out of a boot (if there was instructions on the heel)
The idiom "couldn't pour water out of a boot (if there were instructions on the heel)" is often used to describe someone who is extremely incompetent or lacking basic intelligence or skill. It implies that even with clear and simple instructions, the person would still struggle to perform a very simple or mundane task.
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bring (someone) to heel
The idiom "bring (someone) to heel" means to subdue or control someone, especially when they are acting defiantly or insubordinate. It is often used to describe the act of asserting dominance or enforcing discipline over someone who refuses to comply or behave properly. The expression is derived from the action of making a dog come to a heel position, where they walk closely beside their owner and follow commands obediently.
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bring/call sth/sb to heel
The idiom "bring/call something/someone to heel" means to regain control or discipline over something or someone. It is often used when a person or entity needs to be reminded or forced to follow rules, show obedience, or behave appropriately. This expression can be seen in various contexts, such as managing unruly behavior, reining in a subordinate, or restoring order in a situation.
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turn on your heel
The idiom "turn on your heel" refers to making a sudden and abrupt change in direction or action, typically with determination or anger. It implies swiftly reversing course, usually while facing the opposite direction, as if pivoting on one's heel.
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to heel
The idiom "to heel" refers to the act of returning to a submissive or obedient state, typically used in the context of a person or animal obeying someone in authority. It can also imply someone falling back into line or following instructions after having deviated or rebelled.
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come to heel
The idiom "come to heel" refers to the act of obeying or submitting to someone's authority or control, typically used to describe a situation where someone learns to behave or comply with rules or expectations after initially being unruly or resistant. It originates from the practice of training dogs, where "heel" refers to the command to walk obediently beside their owner's leg.
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at heel
The idiom "at heel" typically means to be under someone's control or closely following someone, usually in a submissive or obedient manner. It is often used to describe someone who is fully attentive to another person's needs or commands.
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an Achilles' heel
The idiom "an Achilles' heel" refers to a vulnerable point or weakness that someone possesses, often despite having numerous strengths or superior qualities. It originates from Greek mythology, where the hero Achilles was invulnerable except for a small spot on his heel. This idiom is used to describe a person's or a thing's one significant weakness that could potentially lead to their downfall or failure.
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an Achilles heel
The idiom "an Achilles heel" refers to a vulnerable or weak point in someone or something that can lead to their downfall or failure. It is derived from Greek mythology, where the warrior Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel, which ultimately caused his death. Thus, an Achilles heel symbolizes a significant vulnerability or weakness within a person, organization, or situation.
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beef to (the) heel like a Mullingar heifer
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you heel
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beef to (the) heel
To be very angry or upset about something.
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cop a heel
The idiom "cop a heel" is slang for being kicked or struck on the back of the leg, typically by accident or as a result of someone's clumsiness. It can also be used figuratively to mean facing unexpected or unfortunate circumstances.
Similar spelling words for HEEL
- heed,
- keel,
- hello,
- heal,
- HEALY,
- feel,
- eel,
- heil,
- Helle,
- he'll,
- hel,
- Hell,
- hehl,
- hewell,
- heels,
- healey,
- hela,
- reel,
- peel,
- wheel.
Conjugate verb Heel
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have heeled
you
would have heeled
he/she/it
would have heeled
we
would have heeled
they
would have heeled
I
would have heel
you
would have heel
he/she/it
would have heel
we
would have heel
they
would have heel
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been heeling
you
would have been heeling
he/she/it
would have been heeling
we
would have been heeling
they
would have been heeling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would heel
you
would heel
he/she/it
would heel
we
would heel
they
would heel
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be heeling
you
would be heeling
he/she/it
would be heeling
we
would be heeling
they
would be heeling
FUTURE
I
will heel
you
will heel
he/she/it
will heel
we
will heel
they
will heel
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be heeling
you
will be heeling
he/she/it
will be heeling
we
will be heeling
they
will be heeling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have heeled
you
will have heeled
he/she/it
will have heeled
we
will have heeled
they
will have heeled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been heeling
you
will have been heeling
he/she/it
will have been heeling
we
will have been heeling
they
will have been heeling
IMPERATIVE
you
heel
we
let´s heel
to heel
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was heeling
you
were heeling
he/she/it
was heeling
we
were heeling
they
were heeling
PAST PARTICIPLE
heeled
PAST PERFECT
I
had heeled
you
had heeled
he/she/it
had heeled
we
had heeled
they
had heeled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been heeling
you
had been heeling
he/she/it
had been heeling
we
had been heeling
they
had been heeling
PRESENT
I
heel
you
heel
he/she/it
heels
we
heel
they
heel
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am heeling
you
are heeling
he/she/it
is heeling
we
are heeling
they
are heeling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
heeling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have heeled
you
have heeled
he/she/it
has heeled
we
have heeled
they
have heeled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been heeling
you
have been heeling
he/she/it
has been heeling
we
have been heeling
they
have been heeling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
heel
SIMPLE PAST
I
heeled
you
heeled
he/she/it
heeled
we
heeled
they
heeled
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