# lay by the heels

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lay-by-the-heels
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fetter, to shackle; to imprison.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.