The guards managed to lay the prisoner by the heels.
lay by the heels
idiomTo fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
After the thief was caught stealing from the royal treasury, the sheriff ordered his men to lay him by the heels.
The king commanded his soldiers to lay the rebellious duke by the heels until he agreed to renounce his claim to the throne.
- 01
close on the heels of
Near in time or place; very close.
- 02
cool one's heels
To wait, especially impatiently or restlessly.
- 03
dig in one's heels
To act in a determined manner by firmly maintaining one's beliefs, demands, situation, etc. in the face of opposition.
- 04
dig one's heels in
to refuse to change one's plans or ideas, especially when counseled otherwise
- 05
hot on someone's heels
Close behind; pursuing or following closely.
- 06
kick one's heels
To wait; to wait impatiently or restlessly.
- 07
kick up one's heels
To relax; to enjoy oneself; to do as one pleases.
- 08
lay a finger on
To merely touch.