# show a clean pair of heels

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/show-a-clean-pair-of-heels
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To run away; to make an escape quickly.

## Examples

- The thief showed a clean pair of heels when the police arrived.
- As soon as the alarm sounded, the intruder showed a clean pair of heels and vanished into the night.
- Realizing his deception was about to be exposed, the swindler showed a clean pair of heels before the authorities could apprehend him.

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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.