Bring to heel definitions
| Word backwards | gnirb ot leeh |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "bring to heel" is a verb phrase. |
| Syllabic division | bring to heel (b-ring to heel) |
| Plural | The plural form of "bring to heel" would be "bring to heels." |
| Total letters | 11 |
| Vogais (3) | i,o,e |
| Consonants (7) | b,r,n,g,t,h,l |
Bring to Heel: Understanding the Phrase
When someone is told to "bring to heel," it means they are being instructed to control or discipline someone or something, often in a firm or assertive manner. This phrase is commonly used in situations where a person or group needs to be managed or kept in check.
The Origins of the Phrase
The expression "bring to heel" has its origins in the world of dog training. In dog obedience training, a dog is taught to walk closely beside its owner, with the owner holding the leash connected to the dog's collar. If the dog starts to pull or stray off course, the owner may use a correction to bring the dog back in line, thus bringing it to heel.
Applying the Phrase in a Broader Sense
While the phrase's origins are rooted in dog training, it is now commonly used in a more figurative sense. People may use the expression "bring to heel" when talking about managing difficult situations, controlling unruly behavior, or reining in someone who is acting out of line.
Key Takeaways
Overall, the phrase "bring to heel" carries the connotation of bringing something under control or discipline. Whether it's managing a challenging individual, addressing a problematic situation, or simply keeping things in order, this phrase communicates the idea of asserting authority and restoring order.
Bring to heel Examples
- The dog was misbehaving, but a firm command from the owner quickly brought it to heel.
- After years of reckless spending, he finally decided to bring his finances to heel and start saving money.
- The new manager had to bring the chaotic office environment to heel by implementing strict rules.
- It took months of training, but the horse finally learned to bring itself to heel when commanded by its rider.
- The coach knew he had to bring the unruly team to heel if they were going to have any chance of winning the championship.
- The teacher's stern warning quickly brought the chatty students to heel and restored order to the classroom.
- The company's CEO promised to bring the excessive spending to heel in order to improve profitability.
- The strict new policies were put in place to bring the company's inefficient processes to heel.
- The unruly protesters were warned that if they did not calm down, the police would be called to bring them to heel.
- The harsh winter weather forced the city to bring its snow removal operations to heel in order to keep the roads clear.