# snap at someone's heels

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/snap-at-someones-heels
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To compete with someone closely, with the possibility of soon defeating or replacing them.

## Examples

- The younger athlete is snapping at the champion's heels.
- The new company is growing so fast that it is already snapping at the heels of the market leader.
- As the challenger gained momentum in the polls, he began snapping at the incumbent's heels, threatening to end her long political career.

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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.