keep on one s heels

keep on (one's) heels
1. To remain following very closely behind one. The dog kept on my heels the whole way home. I was so relieved when I was finally safe inside! ...
2. To be very close to overtaking a competitor or opponent. The home team got out to an early lead, but the visitors kept on their heels the entire match. ...


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keep on (one's) heels (redirected from keep on one's heels)
keep on (one's) heels
1. To remain following very closely behind one.
The dog kept on my heels the whole way home. I was so relieved when I was finally safe inside!
The former champion thought it would be an easy victory, but her opponent kept on her heels for the entire race.
2. To be very close to overtaking a competitor or opponent.
The home team got out to an early lead, but the visitors kept on their heels the entire match.
Her opponent may be ahead in the polls, but she has always managed to keep on his heels. She has a very real shot at overtaking him by election day.
See also: heel, keep, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
See also:
stay on (one's) heels
hard on (one's) heels
hard on your heels
hard/hot on somebody's heels
nip on (someone's or something's) heels
on the heels of
on the heels of (someone or something)
bring a dog to heel
at heel
at your heels

to dig in heels

high heel society