to heel

to heel

Into a position of subjugation, discipline, or submission to one's authority. (Used chiefly in the phrases "bring/call someone to heel.") The CEO was quick to call the junior board member to heel after the latter spoke out of turn at the annual general meeting. Sir, the members of your squad are all out of control. You need to bring them to heel right away!
See also: heel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

to heel

1. Close behind someone, as in The dog started chasing the car but Miriam called him to heel. This expression is used almost solely in reference to dogs. The heel in this idiom, first recorded in 1810, is the person's.
2. Under control or discipline, as in By a series of surprise raids the police brought the gang members to heel. This expression alludes to controlling a dog by training it to follow at one's heels. [Late 1800s]
See also: heel
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

to heel

1. Close behind: The hound followed his master to heel.
2. Under discipline or control: The army swiftly brought the rebels to heel.
See also: heel
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • come to heel
  • call (someone) to heel
  • bring (someone) to heel
  • bring someone to heel
  • bring to heel
  • be put out to grass
  • chain of command
  • a/the fish rots from the head down
  • a/the fish stinks from the head down
  • catch a tiger by the tail
References in periodicals archive
Glen Gastwirth of the American Podiatric Association says that although no scientific study shows that older people are more prone to heel pain, it's probably true that they are.
Relief for painful heels
The HeelZup[TM] Therapeutic Heel Elevating Cushion from Intensive Therapeutics, Inc., is a unique approach to heel care.
Innovative Heel support. (LTC Mall: A Gallery of Innovative Products and Services)
FLATS TO HEELS - SARAH WHITEFORD My trainers felt like heaven after a day of wearing heels PODIATRIST Sarah Whiteford, from Glasgow, owns Primo Podiatry and runs clinics at the Blythswood Square Hotel Spa in the city.
Their feet of end durance
"Women tend to think that when it comes to heels, the higher they are, the better they look.
Killer pumps: Dangers of high heel shoes
"I agree absolutely with Victoria Beckham when she says that when it comes to heels it's 'no pain, no gain'," said Mia, who even wore Christian Louboutins as she was taken to hospital to give birth to Atlanta-Rayne, nine, and Sebastien, six.
On the heels of fashion; sky-scrapers this week - days Victoria Beckham squeezed back into a pair of trend for flats. As the former after the snaps of her in flip-flops sparked a new surgery get in her way of walking Spice Girl refuses to let the threat of painful foot she's risking her health for high heels tall, Claire Rees chats to a woman who admits
For softer and smoother skin, push the stick up and apply daily to heels, feet, or any rough, dry patches such as elbows, knees or hands.
After a long dry winter, don't skip the sandals this season