🏃 Close on the Heels: A Chase in Language! 👟
A whimsical exploration of the thrilling idiom ‘Close on the Heels’ and the playful language surrounding pursuits and chases.
categories:
- Fun with Language
- Idioms tags:
- language
- idioms
- pursuits
- humor author: “C. Chase Verse” date: 2023-10-02
Definition
Close on the Heels: To follow someone or something very closely, often with the aim of catching or overtaking them.
Example: The detective was close on the heels of the thief, determined to catch him before he slipped away.
Synonyms:
- Hot on the Trail
- “Nipping at the Heels”
- “Snapping at the Heels”
Antonyms:
- Far Behind
- Out of Range
- Nowhere Near
Similar Expressions:
- On Someone’s Tail: To follow closely behind someone, often with the goal of catching up or staying close.
- Breathing Down Someone’s Neck: To constantly monitor or follow someone in a way that feels oppressive or intrusive.
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Following close on someone’s heels is a bit like being their uninvited shadow—always there, but never getting a thank you!” 🕵️♂️🤣
Proverbs:
- “The early bird catches the worm.” But the worm is often followed closely by the rooster! 🐦🐛
- “Fortune favors the bold.” Just make sure you’re not the bold hero with someone hot on your heels! 🍀⚔️
Literary References:
- Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle: Holmes often finds himself ‘close on the heels’ of a suspect.
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Robert Langdon is frequently close on the heels of a conspiracy.
Suggested Songs:
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police: The lyrics capture the essence of someone being uncomfortably close.
- “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers: Demonstrates dedication in pursuit—someone would walk 500 miles and then 500 more!
Recommended Movies:
- Catch Me If You Can (2002): A classic film about the game of cat and mouse.
- The Fugitive (1993): A film where the protagonist is relentlessly pursued.
Inspirational Farewell
May you chase your dreams with determination and grace, and if anyone is close on your heels, may they be cheering you on!
### Which of these is a real idiom for following closely?
- [x] Close on the heels
- [ ] Chasing the banana rocket
- [ ] Sleeping with open feet
- [ ] Jumping over moonlight
> **Explanation:** "Close on the heels" is a common idiom for following someone or something very closely. The others are pure nonsense!
### Which phrase means to closely follow someone?
- [ ] Sunbathing under a grapefruit tree
- [x] Breathing down someone's neck
- [ ] Walking with elephant shoes
- [ ] Singing like the sun
> **Explanation:** "Breathing down someone's neck" metaphorically means to follow someone very closely, often making them feel pressured.
### True or False: 'On someone’s tail' means to keep a short distance from them for pursuit purposes.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, indeed! "On someone’s tail" is a popular idiom meaning to follow closely behind someone, often in chase or surveillance.
