What does “Show someone a clean pair of heels” mean?
"Show someone a clean pair of heels" means to run away quickly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When the police arrived, the suspect showed them a clean pair of heels.
Example
The thief managed to show the security guard a clean pair of heels.
Example
As soon as the dog saw the vacuum cleaner, it showed a clean pair of heels
Is “Show someone a clean pair of heels” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Show someone a clean pair of heels” 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 “Show someone a clean pair of heels” effectively in context?
You can use "Show someone a clean pair of heels" to describe someone running away quickly or escaping from a situation. It emphasizes the speed and agility of the person fleeing. For example, if someone manages to escape from the police, you might say, 'He showed the police a clean pair of heels and disappeared into the crowd.'
- 1Crime
When the police arrived, the suspect showed them a clean pair of heels.
- 2Security
The thief managed to show the security guard a clean pair of heels.
- 3Fear
As soon as the dog saw the vacuum cleaner, it showed a clean pair of heels.
Similar phrases to “Show someone a clean pair of heels”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Show someone a clean pair of heels” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Show someone a clean pair of heels" is unknown.
Is “Show someone a clean pair of heels” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Show someone a clean pair of heels" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other idioms. However, it is still used occasionally, especially in informal contexts or when describing a quick getaway.
What tone does “Show someone a clean pair of heels” have?
"Show someone a clean pair of heels" conveys a tone of speed and agility. It implies a swift and successful escape from a situation.
Can “Show someone a clean pair of heels” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Show someone a clean pair of heels" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may be less appropriate in formal or professional situations, where a more formal expression like 'escape quickly' or 'flee rapidly' would be more suitable.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Show someone a clean pair of heels" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The suspect showed the police a clean pair of heels and disappeared.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to show them a clean pair of heels!' to imply a quick departure.
