to heel
The phrase "to heel" is commonly used in the context of training animals, particularly dogs, and can also imply submission or compliance in broader contexts.
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Definition
B2Animal Training
(command)An instruction for an animal, usually a dog, to stay close to its owner.
Example
- The trainer commanded the dog to heel during the walk.
- She taught her puppy to heel within a few weeks.
C1General
(figurative)To bring under control or into submission.
Example
- The rebellious group was quickly brought to heel by the authorities.
- The new policies helped bring the chaotic situation to heel.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "to heel":
bring to heelkick one's heelspencil heelheal upheel outout at the heelsdown at heelturn of footspike heelhoof itheel turn