hard on (one's)/the heels

hard on (one's)/the heels

1. Moving very closely behind one. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "on" and "heels." Since the dog was hard on my heels, I was very relieved to reach my house and run inside.
2. Close to defeating an opponent. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "on" and "heels." We need to tighten up on defense because these guys are hard on our heels right now.
3. Happening very soon after something else. In this usage, the phrase is written as "hard on the heels of (something)." I feel like I've been sick for months, since I got bronchitis hard on the heels of a lengthy cold.
See also: hard, heel, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hard on your heels

or

hot on your heels

COMMON
1. In a competitive situation, if someone is hard on your heels or hot on your heels, they are doing nearly as well as you, and it is possible that they will beat you. Great Britain's Dave Hall and Jessica Smith were hot on their heels until a bad last race left them out of the running for first. The next generation of British athletes is pressing hard on the heels of today's champions. Note: You can also say that someone is close on your heels. Dorlan finished second with the Italian close on his heels.
2. If someone is hard on your heels or hot on your heels, they are close behind you, for example because they are chasing you. But the police were hard on their heels and within two weeks, gang leaders McAvoy and Robinson were behind bars. The two play jewel thieves who have retired to the Bahamas while Harrelson is the FBI agent hot on their heels. Note: You can also say that someone is close on your heels. Our pilot followed close on the heels of the departing inspector.
See also: hard, heel, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

hard/hot on somebody’s ˈheels

following somebody closely because you want to catch them: Jane has the most points at the moment, but the other competitors are hot on her heels. The police are hard on his heels.
See also: hard, heel, hot, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • hard on your heels
  • hard/hot on somebody's heels
  • on the heels of
  • on the heels of (someone or something)
  • hard on the heels of (someone or something)
  • hard on the heels of something
  • nip on (someone's or something's) heels
  • hot on the heels of
  • hot on the heels of (someone or something)
  • take to one's heels, to