hot on the heels
Meaning
Very close behind someone/something in pursuit or in time; happening soon after another event.
Origin
From hunting and tracking imagery: being so close behind that you’re almost stepping on someone’s heels; “hot” conveys urgency/intensity. Recorded in English from the 19th century.
Notes
Used for close pursuit (police, rivals) or for events that follow quickly. Slightly vivid/urgent tone; common in news and conversation.
Examples
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The police were hot on the heels of the suspect after the bank robbery.
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Her latest novel came out hot on the heels of last year’s bestseller.
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When the rain stopped, a cold wind followed hot on its heels.
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Startups sprang up hot on the heels of the new AI regulations.
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He left the meeting, and I was hot on his heels to ask one more question.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an adverbial phrase after the verb: “be/come/go hot on the heels of …” or “(someone) is hot on (someone’s) heels.” Often takes “of” for events and possession for pursuit.
Synonyms
- close behind
- right behind
- in close pursuit
- hard on the heels
- on the trail
Antonyms
- far behind
- well behind
- in the lead