What does “Hot on the Heels (of)” mean?
"Hot on the Heels (of)" means following closely behind.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new product launch came hot on the heels of the successful marketing campaign.
Example
The team's victory in the championship game came hot on the heels of their previous win.
Example
The announcement of the merger came hot on the heels of the company's record-breaking profits
Is “Hot on the Heels (of)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hot on the Heels (of)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hot on the Heels (of)” effectively in context?
You can use "Hot on the Heels (of)" to describe something that is closely following or happening immediately after something else. It emphasizes the idea of being in close pursuit or closely connected. For example, if someone is investigating a crime and they are very close to catching the suspect, you might say, 'The detective was hot on the heels of the suspect.'
- 1Crime Investigation
The detective was hot on the heels of the suspect.
- 2Marketing
The new product launch came hot on the heels of a successful marketing campaign.
- 3Sports
The team's victory came hot on the heels of their previous win.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hot on the Heels (of)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hot on the Heels (of)" is unknown.
Is “Hot on the Heels (of)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hot on the Heels (of)" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where one event closely follows another.
What tone does “Hot on the Heels (of)” have?
"Hot on the Heels (of)" conveys a tone of immediacy and close pursuit. It suggests that something is happening quickly and closely connected to something else.
Can “Hot on the Heels (of)” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Hot on the Heels (of)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the close connection between events. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The detective was hot on the heels of the suspect.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Hot on the heels!' to imply that something is happening quickly and closely connected to something else.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- following closely
- immediately after
- in close pursuit
- right behind
- on the trail
Antonyms
- unrelated
- far behind
- distant from
- not following closely
- separate from
