show a clean pair of heels

show (someone) a clean pair of heels

To run or move away from someone at great speed. He showed the mugger a clean pair of heels, skittering down a side alley and escaping out of sight. The runner showed her competitors a clean pair of heels as soon as the race began, and she maintained a comfortable lead throughout.
See also: clean, heel, of, pair, show
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

show (somebody) a clean pair of ˈheels

(informal)
1 run away: They ran after her, but she showed them a clean pair of heels.
2 get ahead of somebody in a competition: As makers of quality software, they’ve shown the rest of the industry a clean pair of heels.
See also: clean, heel, of, pair, show
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • show (someone) a clean pair of heels
  • show someone or something a clean pair of 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
  • hot on the heels of
  • hot on the heels of (someone or something)
  • pull a gun
  • pull a gun on (one)
References in periodicals archive
JD Sports Fashion posted an 11% rise in profits as it continued to show a clean pair of heels to troubled rivals in the sportswear sector.
Profits hike for JD
DANCERS can show a clean pair of heels and make new friends by joining a social group which is looking for new members.
ELMDON HEATH
THEO WALCOTT finally got to show a clean pair of heels to dogged opposition on Friday - when a Doberman chased him down Baden-Baden High Strasse.
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PAULA RADCLIFFE today plans to show a clean pair of heels to the injury and illness problems that brought her glory season to a shuddering halt.
Athletics: Paula aims to be Spar for the course
Lewis collected 32 points to show a clean pair of heels to his rivals and then dovetailed well with club member Bernard Burnatti to collect 35 points and joint third in the pro-am.
Impressive Lewis
The space can be arranged and if pounds 8million can also be found, then the project will possibly show a clean pair of heels.
Stab in the black
DANCERS can show a clean pair of heels by joining a social group which is looking for new members.
Dancers welcome at club
Rebecca, famed for her love of and on a Harley, would struggle to show a clean pair of heels to the stonking V-Rod.
Revved Up: TESTED Harley-DavidsonV-R od Prices from pounds 13,280 on the road