by the heels

phrase

: in a tight grip

had the enemy by the heels

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1515, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by the heels was circa 1515

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by the head

by the heels

by the name of

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Style

“By the heels.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20heels. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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by the heels

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