Explore the origins, historical context, and contemporary relevance of the phrase 'cool one’s heels,' a saying that has been in use since the early seventeenth century.
To “cool one’s heels” is to be kept waiting, often in a manner that implies a degree of inconvenience or impatience. The phrase suggests a period of enforced idleness, typically imposed by another party.
The expression “cool one’s heels” is believed to have originated in the early seventeenth century. The phrase metaphorically alludes to the cooling of one’s feet after the warmth generated by walking dissipates during a period of inactivity. This idiom was prevalent enough by the 1630s to be referenced in the works of playwrights such as William Rowley and Thomas Dekker. By the mid-eighteenth century, it appeared in literary works, notably in Henry Fielding’s Amelia (1752), where he writes, “In this parlour Amelia cooled her heels, as the phrase is, near a quarter of an hour.”
The phrase “cool one’s heels” carries connotations of enforced patience and can imply a power dynamic where the individual waiting is at the mercy of another’s schedule or whims. It often conveys a sense of frustration or resignation, depending on the context in which it is used. The idiom is versatile, applicable in both formal and informal settings, and can denote anything from a minor inconvenience to a significant delay.
In contemporary culture, the phrase remains a common idiom, used in both spoken and written English. It appears in various contexts, from casual conversation to literary narratives. The expression is employed to describe situations where individuals are made to wait, often highlighting the inconvenience or frustration experienced. Its usage persists in modern literature, journalism, and media, maintaining its relevance across different forms of communication.
In professional contexts, “cool one’s heels” might describe waiting for a business meeting or a decision from a superior. Socially, it can refer to waiting for a friend or a social event to commence. In literary contexts, the phrase is often used to evoke a sense of anticipation or frustration experienced by characters.
The phrase “cool one’s heels” retains its relevance in modern English due to its vivid imagery and applicability in various scenarios. Its durability is rated at ★★★★☆, reflecting its continued use and recognition in both formal and informal settings.
“In this parlour Amelia cooled her heels, as the phrase is, near a quarter of an hour.” - Henry Fielding, Amelia (1752)