lay by the heels
To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The guards managed to lay the prisoner by the heels.”
“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
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
best laid plans
A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.
- 03
bring to heel
To compel someone to obey; to force someone into a submissive condition.
- 04
close on the heels of
Near in time or place; very close.
- 05
cool one's heels
To wait, especially impatiently or restlessly.
- 06
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.
- 07
dig one's heels in
to refuse to change one's plans or ideas, especially when counseled otherwise
- 08
down at heel
Shabbily dressed, slovenly; impoverished; shabby, dilapidated.
Last updated August 10, 2026