What does “Bring someone to heel” mean?

"Bring someone to heel" means to make someone obey or submit to authority.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

The new manager was able to bring the team to heel and improve their performance.

Example

The strict teacher was able to bring the students to heel and maintain discipline in the classroom.

Example

The police officer was able to bring the suspect to heel and make them cooperate with the investigation

Is “Bring someone to heel” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Bring someone to heel” 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 “Bring someone to heel” effectively in context?

You can use "Bring someone to heel" to describe the act of making someone obey or submit to authority. It emphasizes the power and control exerted over the person. For example, if a manager successfully improves the performance of their team, you might say, 'The new manager was able to bring the team to heel and improve their performance.'

1Work
The strict supervisor was able to bring the employees to heel and enforce company policies.
The strict supervisor was able to bring the employees to heel and enforce company policies.
2Education
The principal was able to bring the students to heel and maintain discipline in the school.
The principal was able to bring the students to heel and maintain discipline in the school.
3Law Enforcement
The detective was able to bring the suspect to heel and make them cooperate with the investigation.
The detective was able to bring the suspect to heel and make them cooperate with the investigation.

Similar phrases to “Bring someone to heel”:

Keep someone in line

To ensure that someone behaves properly or follows the rules

Example

The strict supervisor was able to keep the employees in line and enforce company policies.

Have someone under one's thumb

To have complete control or influence over someone

Example

The manipulative boss had all the employees under his thumb and could make them do anything.

Put someone in their place

To assert authority over someone and remind them of their lower status

Example

The confident teacher put the unruly student in their place and restored order in the classroom.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Bring someone to heel” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Bring someone to heel" is derived from dog training. When a dog is brought to heel, it means that they are trained to walk obediently by their owner's side. The phrase has been metaphorically extended to refer to making someone obey or submit to authority.

Is “Bring someone to heel” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Bring someone to heel" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in formal or professional contexts where authority and obedience are important.

What tone does “Bring someone to heel” have?

"Bring someone to heel" conveys a tone of authority and control. It implies that the person exerting control has the power to make others obey or submit to their authority.

Can “Bring someone to heel” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "bring someone to heel" is more commonly used in formal or professional settings. It is often used in discussions about management, discipline, or law enforcement. While it can be used in informal conversations, it may sound more formal or authoritative.

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 teacher was able to bring the students to heel and maintain discipline in the classroom.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "bring them to heel"!' to imply the need for obedience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

control someone
dominate someone
subjugate someone
enforce obedience
exercise authority

Antonyms

lose control
lose authority
lose power
give in
submit to someone else's authority