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B1 noun #26 most common 14 min read

heel

Top 26

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips heel in 30 Seconds

Explanation heel in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'heel' is a basic vocabulary word used to describe a part of the body. You learn it along with other parts of the foot like 'toes' and 'ankle.' You might use it in simple sentences like 'My heel hurts' or 'The shoe is tight on my heel.' At this stage, the focus is purely on the physical part of the foot. You might also see it in very basic shopping contexts, such as identifying the back of a shoe. Teachers often use pictures of feet to help students identify the heel. It is important to know that every foot has one heel. In simple English, you can think of it as the 'back of the foot.' You don't need to know any idioms or complex meanings yet. Just remember the spelling with two 'e's and that it is a noun. If you are learning about clothes, you might hear 'high heels,' but usually, 'shoes' is enough for A1. Practice saying 'heel' and pointing to the back of your foot to remember it.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'heel' in more specific contexts, especially related to clothing and shopping. You will learn that 'heels' (plural) is a common way to talk about a type of women's shoe. You might say, 'I need to buy new heels for the wedding.' You also learn the command 'heel' if you are interested in pets. If you have a dog, you might learn to say 'Heel!' to make the dog walk next to you. In terms of health, you might describe a small injury, like a blister on your heel from walking too much. You are also introduced to the idea that bread has a 'heel'—the piece at the very end of the loaf. At A2, you should be able to distinguish between the heel of a foot and the heel of a shoe in a conversation. You might also encounter the word in simple stories where a character 'turns on their heel' to leave quickly, though you might not use this phrase yourself yet. The main goal at A2 is to use 'heel' in everyday situations like shopping, health, and basic animal care.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use 'heel' in a variety of common idioms and more complex sentences. This is the level where you learn about the 'Achilles' heel,' which means a person's main weakness. You might use this to describe a character in a book or a famous person. You also start to use phrases like 'head over heels,' usually to describe being very much in love. You understand that 'heel' can be used metaphorically, such as 'on the heels of,' which means something happened right after something else. For example, 'The rain came on the heels of the wind.' Your vocabulary is growing, so you can describe different types of heels, like 'high heels' or 'flat heels.' You also understand the difference between 'heel' and 'heal' in writing, even though they sound the same. At B1, you can participate in more detailed conversations about fashion, sports form (like keeping your heels down), or describing a person's stubbornness by saying they are 'digging in their heels.' You are moving beyond just the physical body part to the figurative language of English.

At the B2 level, your use of 'heel' becomes more nuanced and professional. You can use it in technical contexts, such as discussing 'heel strike' in a physical education class or explaining the construction of a shoe in a business setting. You are comfortable with a wide range of idioms, including 'cool one's heels' (to wait) or 'to bring someone to heel' (to make them obey). You can use these in both speaking and writing to make your English sound more natural and sophisticated. You understand the social and cultural implications of 'heels' in fashion and can discuss topics like the history of high heels or the health effects of wearing them. In literature or news reports, you recognize 'heel' as a term for a villain or a dishonest person. You can also use the word as a verb more confidently, such as 'the boat heeled over in the strong wind,' which means it tilted to one side. At B2, you are expected to have a firm grasp of the word's multiple meanings and can choose the right one based on the context of the conversation or text.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'heel' and its many subtle uses. You can appreciate the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You use idioms like 'show a clean pair of heels' (to run away very fast) or 'down at heel' (looking poor or shabby) with ease. Your writing is precise; you might use 'heel' to describe the specific part of a mechanical part or a tool that resembles a foot's heel. You are sensitive to the register of the word—knowing that calling someone a 'heel' sounds a bit old-fashioned or like it's from a 1940s noir film. You can analyze how the word 'heel' is used in poetry or high-level prose to create imagery or symbolism. For example, you might discuss how a character's 'clicking heels' symbolizes their authority or anxiety. You are also aware of the anatomical complexities, such as the 'Achilles tendon' and its relationship to the heel. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know its history, its social weight, and its most obscure applications in various fields.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'heel' in all its forms. You can use the word in highly specialized or archaic contexts without hesitation. You might encounter the word in legal or historical documents where it refers to the 'heel' of a scythe or other agricultural tools. You can engage in complex linguistic discussions about the homophonic nature of 'heel,' 'heal,' and 'he'll' and how these can be used for wordplay or puns in literature. You understand the most obscure idioms, such as 'to kick up one's heels' (to have a lively time) or 'to be at someone's heels' in a predatory or competitive sense. You can write sophisticated critiques of fashion history, discussing the evolution of the 'Louis heel' versus the 'Stiletto.' Your ability to use 'heel' as a verb in nautical or technical senses is perfect. You can also use the slang term 'heel' in a way that shows you understand its specific cultural origins in American sports and entertainment. At C2, the word 'heel' is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit, used with precision, creativity, and a full understanding of its historical and cultural baggage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

heel in 30 Seconds

The heel is the back part of the human foot, essential for balance and movement.
In footwear, the heel is the raised part at the back of a shoe, coming in many styles.
Common idioms include 'Achilles' heel' (weakness) and 'head over heels' (deeply in love).
It also serves as a dog command and a term for the end piece of a bread loaf.

The word heel primarily refers to the rounded back part of the human foot, located specifically below the ankle and behind the arch. In a broader anatomical sense, it is the region where the calcaneus bone resides, providing the structural foundation for standing, walking, and running. Beyond human anatomy, the term is ubiquitously applied to footwear, designating the part of a shoe or boot that supports the back of the foot. This component can range from a flat, functional layer of rubber to an elongated, decorative spike known as a stiletto. The versatility of the word extends into various domains, including culinary arts, where it describes the crusty end piece of a loaf of bread, and canine training, where it serves as a specific command for a dog to walk closely beside its handler's leg.

Anatomical Context: In biological terms, the heel is essential for weight distribution. When a person walks, the 'heel strike' is the initial contact phase of the gait cycle. It is a robust area but prone to injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

After a long day of hiking, the hiker noticed a painful blister forming on her right heel due to the friction from her boots.

In the world of fashion and shoemaking, the heel is a defining characteristic of style and posture. High heels are often associated with formal attire, professional settings, or aesthetic elevation, while flat heels are preferred for comfort and stability. The height and shape of the heel can drastically alter the wearer's silhouette and gait. Historically, heels were not just for women; in the 17th century, European aristocrats and Persian cavalrymen wore them to signify status or to keep their feet secure in stirrups while riding horses. Today, the term 'heels' is often used as a metonym for the shoes themselves, as in 'she put on her heels for the party.'

Footwear Engineering: Shoe heels are constructed from materials like wood, plastic, or stacked leather. They must be balanced perfectly to ensure the wearer does not lose their equilibrium or suffer from back pain over time.

The cobbler carefully replaced the worn-down rubber heel of the gentleman's leather brogues to prevent further damage to the sole.

Metaphorically, the word 'heel' carries significant weight in idioms and character descriptions. In the context of professional wrestling or older slang, a 'heel' is a villain or a contemptible person who acts without honor. This usage contrasts with the 'babyface' or the hero. Furthermore, the concept of the 'Achilles' heel'—originating from Greek mythology—refers to a person's singular, fatal weakness despite overall strength. This richness in metaphorical application makes 'heel' a versatile tool in the English language, bridging the gap between physical anatomy and abstract human character traits.

Despite his brilliant mind and vast wealth, his arrogance proved to be his Achilles' heel, leading to his eventual downfall in the elections.

Idiomatic Usage: Phrases like 'digging in one's heels' describe a stubborn refusal to change one's mind, while 'cool one's heels' refers to being kept waiting for a long period.

The negotiator decided to dig in his heels regarding the salary demands, refusing to accept anything less than a ten percent increase.

The dog trainer shouted, 'To heel!' and the Labrador immediately moved to walk perfectly in sync with his owner's pace.

Using 'heel' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a countable noun and its occasional use as a verb. As a noun, it almost always refers to a physical object or a specific part of something. When discussing anatomy, you typically use possessive adjectives like 'my heel' or 'his heel.' When discussing shoes, you might refer to 'the heel of the boot' or 'high heels' in the plural. It is important to note that when 'heel' refers to a style of shoe, it is often used in the plural form even if you are talking about the general concept, such as 'She loves wearing heels.'

Anatomy and Health: Sentences involving the physical heel often focus on pain, movement, or injury. Common verbs associated with this are 'hurt,' 'injure,' 'land on,' or 'press.'

The dancer landed awkwardly on her left heel, causing a sharp pain that radiated up her leg.

In the context of footwear, 'heel' is frequently modified by adjectives that describe its height or shape. You will encounter terms like 'stiletto heel,' 'block heel,' 'kitten heel,' or 'wedge heel.' In these cases, the word functions as the head of the noun phrase. When describing the action of walking in these shoes, writers often use sensory details, such as the 'clicking' sound a heel makes on a hard floor. This adds a layer of auditory imagery to the sentence, making the description more vivid for the reader.

Fashion Descriptions: When writing about fashion, 'heel' can be used to describe the silhouette of the shoe. It is common to see it paired with verbs like 'measure,' 'taper,' or 'elevate.'

The designer chose a four-inch heel to give the model extra height and a more commanding presence on the runway.

Idiomatic usage of 'heel' often involves prepositional phrases. For example, 'at the heels of' means following closely behind. 'On the heels of' is used to describe something happening immediately after another event. These phrases are common in journalism and storytelling to indicate a rapid sequence of events. When using these idioms, the word 'heel' is almost always plural. Understanding these patterns allows a learner to move from literal descriptions to more sophisticated, figurative language.

Sequence and Timing: Using 'on the heels of' creates a sense of momentum. It is frequently used in news headlines to link two related stories that occurred in quick succession.

The announcement of the new merger came hot on the heels of the company's record-breaking quarterly profits.

He turned on his heel and walked away without saying a single word, leaving the room in stunned silence.

The bread was so fresh that even the heel of the loaf was soft and delicious enough to eat with just a bit of butter.

In daily life, 'heel' is a word you will encounter in very specific environments. One of the most common is the shoe store or a fashion boutique. Sales associates will ask about 'heel height' or 'heel comfort.' You might hear a customer complaining that a shoe is 'rubbing their heel.' In these contexts, the word is purely functional and descriptive. Similarly, in a medical or podiatry clinic, 'heel' is a standard term used to diagnose conditions like heel spurs or fat pad atrophy. Doctors will often ask patients to 'stand on their heels' to test neurological function or balance.

The Fashion Industry: On fashion television shows or in magazines, 'heels' is used as a general category for footwear. Experts might discuss the 'return of the kitten heel' or the 'dominance of the platform heel' in current trends.

The stylist recommended a pair of nude heels to elongate the legs and complement the evening gown.

Another place where 'heel' is heard frequently is in the world of sports and fitness. Coaches often give instructions like 'drive through your heels' during exercises like squats or deadlifts. This instruction is crucial for proper form and power generation. In running, 'heel striking' is a debated topic among marathoners and sprinters, referring to the part of the foot that first touches the ground. If you listen to a sports broadcast, you might also hear the phrase 'at the heels of' when one athlete is closely chasing another in a race, adding a sense of urgency and competition to the commentary.

Gym and Athletics: Personal trainers emphasize 'heel contact' to ensure clients engage their glutes and hamstrings correctly during lower-body workouts.

Keep your heels flat on the floor as you descend into the squat to maintain your balance and protect your knees.

In domestic settings, 'heel' appears in the kitchen and during pet care. If you are making a sandwich, someone might ask if you want the 'heel of the bread,' which is often the least favorite part for children but prized by some for its crunch. When walking a dog, 'heel' is one of the most basic and important commands. You will hear owners in parks shouting 'Heel!' to bring their dogs back to their side. This command is a staple of obedience training and is recognized globally by English-speaking dog owners.

Dog Training Parks: The command 'heel' is usually accompanied by a specific hand gesture or a slight tug on the leash to reinforce the desired position.

The border collie was so well-trained that it would heel even without a leash, staying perfectly beside its owner's left leg.

I usually save the heel of the bread loaf to make homemade croutons since it's a bit too tough for a sandwich.

The detective followed hard on the heels of the suspect, chasing him through the narrow, rain-slicked alleys of London.

The most frequent mistake learners make with the word 'heel' is confusing it with its homophone 'heal.' While they sound identical, their meanings and grammatical roles are entirely different. 'Heal' is a verb meaning to become healthy again or to cure, whereas 'heel' is primarily a noun referring to a part of the foot or shoe. Writing 'the wound will heel' instead of 'the wound will heal' is a common error even for native speakers. Another homophone to watch out for is 'he'll,' the contraction of 'he will.' Context usually makes the meaning clear, but in writing, the apostrophe and spelling are crucial.

Spelling Confusion: Always remember: 'Heel' has a double 'e' like 'feet,' which also has a double 'e.' This can be a helpful mnemonic to associate the spelling with the body part.

Correct: The heel of my foot is sore. Incorrect: The heal of my foot is sore.

Another common error involves the misuse of idioms. For instance, the phrase 'head over heels' is often used to describe being deeply in love. Some learners mistakenly say 'heels over head,' which, while logically more accurate for a physical tumble, is not the established idiom. Similarly, 'digging in one's heels' is sometimes confused with 'digging one's grave.' The former means being stubborn, while the latter means causing one's own failure. Using the wrong body part or verb in these fixed expressions can lead to confusion or unintended humor.

Idiomatic Precision: Idioms are 'frozen' expressions. Changing 'heel' to 'foot' in 'Achilles' heel' (e.g., 'Achilles' foot') would make the phrase unrecognizable to most speakers.

She fell head over heels in love with the city during her first visit to Paris.

In the context of dog training, using 'heel' as a noun when you mean it as a command can be a mistake. If you say 'the dog is at heel,' it is correct, but if you want the dog to move, you must use the imperative 'Heel!' without any articles. Additionally, some people confuse 'heel' with 'sole.' The sole is the entire bottom of the foot or shoe, while the heel is specifically the back part. If you have a hole in the middle of your shoe, it's a hole in the sole, not the heel. Being precise with these anatomical and structural terms is essential for clear communication.

Anatomical Accuracy: Distinguishing between the heel, the arch, and the ball of the foot is important when describing specific sensations or shoe fit issues.

The cobbler explained that the heel was fine, but the sole of the shoe had worn completely through at the ball of the foot.

He tried to heel the rift between the two families, but his efforts were unsuccessful. (Error: Should be 'heal').

The runner felt a sharp pain in his heel every time he ran up a steep hill.

When discussing the back part of the foot or a shoe, 'heel' is the most precise term, but there are several related words depending on the context. In footwear, if you are looking for alternatives to 'heels,' you might use more specific terms like 'pumps,' 'stilettos,' 'wedges,' or 'platforms.' Each of these implies a different type of heel. If you are talking about the height provided by a shoe without referring to a separate heel component, you might use the word 'lift.' For example, 'These boots have a two-inch lift.' This is common in men's footwear or athletic shoes where a distinct heel isn't visible.

Footwear Varieties: Stiletto: A very thin, high heel. Block: A wide, sturdy heel. Wedge: A heel that runs the entire length of the shoe sole. Kitten: A short, slender heel.

She preferred wearing wedges over stilettos because they provided more surface area and better stability on the grass.

In anatomy, 'heel' is quite specific, but related terms include 'calcaneus' (the medical name for the heel bone) and 'hindfoot' (the back part of the foot including the heel and ankle). If you are describing the bottom of the foot in general, 'sole' is the correct term. If you are talking about the part of the foot that curves upward between the heel and the ball, that is the 'arch.' Using these terms correctly allows for much more descriptive and accurate communication, especially in medical or athletic contexts where the exact location of a sensation matters.

Anatomical Comparisons: Heel vs. Sole: The heel is a part of the sole. Heel vs. Arch: The arch is the middle section, while the heel is the posterior section.

The orthopedic insert was designed to support the arch while cushioning the heel to relieve pressure.

When 'heel' is used as a command or to describe following someone, synonyms might include 'follow,' 'shadow,' or 'trail.' However, 'heel' implies a much closer and more disciplined proximity than 'follow.' In a figurative sense, 'on the heels of' can be replaced by 'immediately following,' 'in the wake of,' or 'subsequent to.' These alternatives are often used in more formal writing or academic papers to avoid idiomatic language while maintaining the same meaning of rapid succession.

Figurative Alternatives: Instead of 'digging in one's heels,' you could say 'standing one's ground' or 'remaining steadfast.' These carry a similar meaning of resistance.

The recession occurred in the wake of the housing market collapse, affecting millions of homeowners.

The protagonist was a total scoundrel, betraying his friends for a handful of gold coins.

He toasted the crust of the bread until it was golden brown and served it with a thick layer of jam.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is related to 'hough' (the joint in a hind leg of a quadruped) and ultimately to the root for 'hook'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hiːl/

US /hil/

Single syllable, no primary stress variation.

Rhymes With

feel meal peel seal teal wheel zeal steel

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'hill' (/hɪl/) with a short vowel.
Confusing it with 'hell' (/hɛl/) in some accents.
Failing to aspirate the 'h' sound.
Merging the 'ee' sound with 'i' in 'hit'.
Over-emphasizing the 'l' sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 3/5

Confused with 'heal' and 'he'll'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation.

Listening 3/5

Homophones can cause confusion.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

foot shoe back walk hurt

Learn Next

ankle sole arch stiletto Achilles

Advanced

calcaneus plantar antagonist obstinate

Grammar to Know

Homophones

Heel (foot) vs. Heal (cure) vs. He'll (he will).

Countable Nouns

One heel, two heels.

Imperative Mood

'Heel!' as a command.

Compound Adjectives

A high-heeled shoe (use a hyphen).

Possessive Idioms

Achilles' heel (apostrophe after the 's').

Examples by Level

I have a small cut on my heel.

J'ai une petite coupure au talon.

Noun, singular.

The heel of this shoe is very hard.

Le talon de cette chaussure est très dur.

Possessive 'of' construction.

Does your heel hurt when you walk?

Est-ce que ton talon fait mal quand tu marches ?

Interrogative sentence.

Put your heel on the floor.

Pose ton talon sur le sol.

Imperative sentence.

She has a blister on her right heel.

Elle a une ampoule au talon droit.

Preposition 'on'.

This sock has a hole in the heel.

Cette chaussette a un trou au talon.

Noun as object of preposition.

The baby has very soft heels.

Le bébé a des talons très doux.

Plural noun.

Look at the heel of my boot.

Regarde le talon de ma botte.

Direct object.

She decided to wear high heels to the party.

Elle a décidé de porter des talons hauts pour la fête.

Compound noun 'high heels'.

The dog learned to heel very quickly.

Le chien a appris à marcher au pied très rapidement.

Infinitive verb.

I don't like the heel of the bread loaf.

Je n'aime pas l'entame de la miche de pain.

Noun phrase.

He turned on his heel and left the room.

Il a tourné les talons et a quitté la pièce.

Idiomatic phrase.

The cobbler can fix the broken heel of your shoe.

Le cordonnier peut réparer le talon cassé de ta chaussure.

Noun modified by adjective.

You should press your heels down when you ride a horse.

Tu devrais baisser tes talons quand tu montes à cheval.

Plural noun.

The back of the shoe is rubbing against my heel.

L'arrière de la chaussure frotte contre mon talon.

Prepositional phrase.

She bought a pair of shoes with a low heel.

Elle a acheté une paire de chaussures avec un petit talon.

Singular noun with adjective.

His lack of experience was his Achilles' heel during the interview.

Son manque d'expérience était son talon d'Achille pendant l'entretien.

Possessive idiom.

They fell head over heels in love within a week.

Ils sont tombés éperdument amoureux en une semaine.

Idiomatic expression.

The company released a new phone on the heels of their last success.

L'entreprise a sorti un nouveau téléphone juste après son dernier succès.

Prepositional idiom.

The management is digging in its heels regarding the new policy.

La direction campe sur ses positions concernant la nouvelle politique.

Present continuous idiom.

I had to cool my heels in the waiting room for two hours.

J'ai dû ronger mon frein dans la salle d'attente pendant deux heures.

Infinitive idiom.

The runner was right at the heels of the leader.

Le coureur était juste sur les talons du leader.

Prepositional phrase.

She clicked her heels together like Dorothy in the movie.

Elle a fait claquer ses talons comme Dorothy dans le film.

Action verb with noun.

The bread was stale, except for the heel which was surprisingly soft.

Le pain était rassis, sauf l'entame qui était étonnamment molle.

Noun as subject.

The suspect showed a clean pair of heels and escaped the police.

Le suspect a pris ses jambes à son cou et a échappé à la police.

Idiomatic expression.

The scandal brought the corrupt politician to heel.

Le scandale a mis au pas le politicien corrompu.

Idiom 'bring to heel'.

The boat heeled over as the sudden gust of wind hit the sails.

Le bateau a gîté sous l'effet de la soudaine rafale de vent.

Verb usage (intransitive).

He's such a heel for leaving her at the altar.

C'est vraiment un mufle pour l'avoir laissée devant l'autel.

Slang noun for a bad person.

The shoes were down at heel, suggesting he had fallen on hard times.

Les chaussures étaient éculées, suggérant qu'il traversait une période difficile.

Idiomatic adjective phrase.

The new law followed hard on the heels of the protest.

La nouvelle loi a suivi de très près la manifestation.

Emphatic idiom.

The wrestler played the heel, inciting the crowd to boo him.

Le catcheur jouait le méchant, incitant la foule à le huer.

Noun in specific jargon.

She wore kitten heels to maintain comfort during the long gala.

Elle portait des petits talons pour rester à l'aise pendant le long gala.

Specific footwear terminology.

The protagonist's tragic flaw was the heel of Achilles in an otherwise perfect character.

Le défaut tragique du protagoniste était le talon d'Achille d'un personnage par ailleurs parfait.

Literary allusion.

The administration was forced to heel to public pressure and reverse the decision.

L'administration a été contrainte de se plier à la pression publique et de revenir sur sa décision.

Verb usage (figurative).

His boots were well-made, with stacked leather heels and intricate stitching.

Ses bottes étaient bien faites, avec des talons en cuir superposé et des coutures complexes.

Technical description.

The sudden economic downturn trod on the heels of the short-lived boom.

Le soudain ralentissement économique a suivi de près l'essor éphémère.

Metaphorical verb phrase.

She walked with a rhythmic click of her heels on the marble floor.

Elle marchait avec un claquement rythmique de ses talons sur le sol de marbre.

Auditory imagery.

The old man was a bit down at heel, but his manners were impeccable.

Le vieil homme était un peu débraillé, mais ses manières étaient impeccables.

Idiomatic description.

The command 'heel' must be given with authority to be effective.

L'ordre 'au pied' doit être donné avec autorité pour être efficace.

Noun as a linguistic unit.

The heel of the scythe was rusted, making the tool difficult to use.

Le talon de la faux était rouillé, ce qui rendait l'outil difficile à utiliser.

Technical noun.

The ship heeled over so violently that the cargo shifted in the hold.

Le navire a gîté si violemment que la cargaison s'est déplacée dans la cale.

Nautical verb usage.

He was a notorious heel in the local social circles, known for his frequent betrayals.

C'était un mufle notoire dans les cercles sociaux locaux, connu pour ses trahisons fréquentes.

Archaic/Social slang.

The poet used the image of a bruised heel to symbolize the loss of innocence.

Le poète a utilisé l'image d'un talon meurtri pour symboliser la perte de l'innocence.

Symbolic usage.

The transition to the new regime followed hard on the heels of the revolution.

La transition vers le nouveau régime a suivi de très près la révolution.

Formal historical idiom.

The orthopedic surgeon specialized in complex calcaneal and heel reconstructions.

Le chirurgien orthopédique était spécialisé dans les reconstructions complexes du calcanéum et du talon.

Medical context.

To bring a rebellious province to heel requires both diplomacy and force.

Mettre au pas une province rebelle exige à la fois diplomatie et force.

Political idiom.

The bread's heel, often discarded, was the only sustenance left for the fugitive.

L'entame du pain, souvent jetée, était la seule subsistance qui restait au fugitif.

Literary narrative.

The dancer's performance was marred by a slight instability in her heel strike.

La performance de la danseuse a été gâchée par une légère instabilité lors de son attaque du talon.

Technical athletic term.

Common Collocations

high heels

heel strike

Achilles' heel

heel spur

click one's heels

dig in one's heels

head over heels

heel of bread

stiletto heel

at heel

Common Phrases

On the heels of

— Immediately following something else.

The storm came on the heels of the heatwave.

Turn on one's heel

— To turn around suddenly and walk away.

Angry, he turned on his heel and left.

Cool one's heels

— To be kept waiting.

I was left to cool my heels in the lobby.

To heel

— A command for a dog to walk by one's side.

I told the dog to heel as we crossed the street.

Down at heel

— Looking shabby or poor.

The old hotel was looking a bit down at heel.

Kick up one's heels

— To enjoy oneself in a lively way.

It's time to kick up our heels and celebrate.

Show a clean pair of heels

— To run away very fast.

The thief showed a clean pair of heels to the police.

Under the heel of

— Oppressed or controlled by someone.

The nation was under the heel of a dictator.

Well-heeled

— Wealthy or rich.

The party was full of well-heeled guests.

Hard on the heels of

— Very close behind in time or space.

Success came hard on the heels of his first book.

Often Confused With

heel vs heal

A verb meaning to cure or get better.

heel vs he'll

A contraction of 'he will'.

heel vs hill

A small mountain; sounds similar in some accents.

Idioms & Expressions

"Achilles' heel"

— A small but fatal weakness in an otherwise strong person.

His pride was his Achilles' heel.

Common

"Head over heels"

— Completely and utterly, usually in love.

He fell head over heels for her.

Informal

"Dig in your heels"

— To refuse to change your mind or stop doing something.

The kids dug in their heels about going to bed.

Common

"Cool your heels"

— To wait for a long time, often because of someone else's delay.

Let him cool his heels for a while.

Informal

"Bring to heel"

— To force someone to obey or behave properly.

The manager brought the lazy staff to heel.

Formal

"At someone's heels"

— Following very closely behind someone.

The paparazzi were at her heels all day.

Common

"Kick up your heels"

— To have a fun, lively time.

We kicked up our heels at the wedding.

Informal

"Turn on your heel"

— To turn away suddenly, often in an angry or dismissive way.

She turned on her heel and ignored him.

Literary

"Show a clean pair of heels"

— To escape or run away very quickly.

The rabbit showed a clean pair of heels to the fox.

Informal

"Down at heel"

— Shabby and poorly cared for; showing signs of poverty.

He looked a bit down at heel in his old coat.

Common

Easily Confused

heel vs sole

Both are parts of the bottom of the foot.

The sole is the entire bottom; the heel is just the back part.

The sole of my shoe is thin, but the heel is thick.

heel vs arch

Both are parts of the foot.

The arch is the curved middle part; the heel is the back.

I have high arches and sore heels.

heel vs ankle

They are very close to each other.

The ankle is the joint; the heel is the bottom back part.

I twisted my ankle and bruised my heel.

heel vs pump

A type of shoe with a heel.

A pump is the whole shoe; the heel is just one part of it.

These pumps have a very high heel.

heel vs stiletto

Often used interchangeably with 'heel'.

Stiletto is a specific style of thin, high heel.

Not all heels are stilettos.

Sentence Patterns

My [body part] hurts.

My heel hurts.

I am wearing [type of shoe].

I am wearing high heels.

[Something] is my Achilles' heel.

Chocolate is my Achilles' heel.

They are head over heels in [emotion].

They are head over heels in love.

The [event] came on the heels of [another event].

The news came on the heels of the disaster.

He dug in his heels about [topic].

He dug in his heels about the price.

To bring [someone] to heel.

The law brought the rebels to heel.

The ship heeled over [prepositional phrase].

The ship heeled over in the gale.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in everyday speech and literature.

Common Mistakes

Writing 'the wound will heel'. → The wound will heal.
'Heal' is the verb for getting better; 'heel' is a noun.
Saying 'heels over head' for love. → Head over heels.
The idiom is fixed as 'head over heels'.
Using 'heel' to mean the whole bottom of the shoe. → Sole.
The heel is only the back part; the sole is the whole bottom.
Writing 'Achilles heel' without the apostrophe. → Achilles' heel.
It is a possessive form referring to the hero Achilles.
Confusing 'heel' with 'hill' in speech. → Heel (/hi:l/).
'Heel' has a long vowel; 'hill' has a short one.

Tips

The Double E

Always remember that 'heel' and 'feet' both have a double 'e'. This helps you link the spelling to the body part.

Heels vs. Shoes

In fashion, 'heels' is often used as a shorthand for any shoes with a raised back, especially for women.

Achilles' Weakness

Use 'Achilles' heel' to describe a specific flaw in an otherwise strong plan or person.

The Command

When training a dog, 'heel' is one of the most important safety commands you can teach.

Don't Waste the Heel

The heel of the bread is great for making breadcrumbs or croutons if you don't like it for sandwiches.

Heel Pain

If your heel hurts in the morning, it might be plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition.

Ancient Roots

The word 'heel' has been in the English language for over a thousand years, dating back to Old English.

Countability

Remember that 'heel' is a countable noun, so you can have one heel or two heels.

Long Vowel

Make sure to stretch the 'ee' sound so it doesn't sound like 'hill'.

Clicking Heels

In writing, the sound of 'clicking heels' often suggests confidence or authority.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Heel' has two 'e's, just like 'feet'. Both are parts of your body.

Visual Association

Imagine a high-heeled shoe shaped like the letter 'L' to remember the ending.

Word Web

Foot Shoe Achilles Blister Command Bread Villain Stubborn

Challenge

Try to use the word 'heel' in three different ways (anatomy, shoe, idiom) in one paragraph.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'hela', which comes from Proto-Germanic '*hanhilon-'.

Original meaning: The back part of the foot.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful with the slang use of 'heel' for a person; it is derogatory.

Commonly used in dog training and fashion discussions.

Achilles' Heel (Greek Myth) The Heel (Wrestling archetype) Kicking up your heels (Song/Idiom)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Anatomy

sore heel
heel bone
blister on the heel
heel strike

Fashion

high heels
broken heel
heel height
stiletto heels

Dog Training

to heel
walk at heel
heel command
heel position

Food

heel of bread
crusty heel
end of the loaf
bread heel

Idioms

Achilles' heel
head over heels
dig in heels
cool heels

Conversation Starters

"Do you prefer wearing flat shoes or high heels for work?"

"Have you ever had a dog that wouldn't listen to the 'heel' command?"

"What do you think is the most common Achilles' heel for a business?"

"Do you like eating the heel of the bread, or do you throw it away?"

"Have you ever fallen head over heels in love at first sight?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to dig in your heels about a decision you made.

Write about a fashion trend involving heels that you find interesting or uncomfortable.

Reflect on what you consider to be your own Achilles' heel and how you manage it.

Imagine a story about a character who is a 'heel' in a small town.

Describe the feeling of walking in a new pair of shoes for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It comes from the Greek myth of Achilles, whose mother dipped him in the River Styx to make him immortal, but held him by his heel, leaving that one spot vulnerable.

Yes, it can mean to follow closely (like a dog), to tilt to one side (like a ship), or to repair the heel of a shoe.

It is the very first or last slice of the loaf, which is mostly crust.

In older slang or professional wrestling, calling someone a 'heel' means they are a dishonorable or bad person.

'Heel' is a noun (part of a foot/shoe), while 'heal' is a verb (to become healthy).

You say it firmly to a dog to make it walk right next to your leg.

They are shoes with a very short, slender heel, usually 1.5 to 2 inches high.

It means to be forced to wait for something, often as a way to make you less impatient or as a punishment.

It describes someone or something that looks poor, shabby, or neglected.

The correct idiom is 'head over heels,' even though it sounds backwards!