bring to heel
The phrase "bring to heel" originates from training dogs to follow commands closely, and it is used metaphorically to describe compelling obedience or discipline.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)To compel someone to obey or to submit.
Example
- The manager's strict policies quickly brought the unruly team to heel.
- The new regulations aim to bring the industry to heel.
B2Behavior
(idiomatic)To make someone act in a disciplined manner.
Example
- The teacher's stern look brought the noisy class to heel.
- He had to bring his emotions to heel to stay focused.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bring to heel":
to heelrein inbring underrein upbring to bearcrack the whipin leashlead by the nosebring tobring downcurtail dogbring down on