PhrasesHub

Hot on the heels

    Definitions

      • close pursuit
        To be closely following or pursuing someone or something

      • quick succession
        Events or actions happening in quick succession, one after another

    Examples of Hot on the heels

    • The sales figures for the new product showed promising results, and the news quickly spread, putting rival companies hot on the heels of the success.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where something new and successful is gaining momentum, causing others to follow closely behind in pursuit. In this example, after hearing about the success of the new product, rival companies start to take notice and work quickly to catch up to the lead. Another Example: The company's innovative marketing strategy is hot on the heels of its competitors, leaving them struggling to keep up. EXPLANATION: In this example, 'hot on the heels' is used to describe the rapid progress or advancement of a company's marketing strategy, causing competitors to follow closely behind in an effort to catch up. Yet Another Example: After the record-breaking sales in the first quarter, the company's profits continued to soar, and rivals found themselves hot on the heels, unable to keep up with the unprecedented growth. EXPLANATION: This idiom is used to convey the idea that competitors are chasing after the success of another company, usually after a significant or groundbreaking event. In this example, the phrase 'hot on the heels' suggests that competitors are working diligently to try and match the impressive growth rate of the company. Lastly, Example: The police were hot on the heels of the suspect, who had evaded capture for several days. EXPLANATION: This idiom refers to a situation where someone, usually the authorities, are pursuing a person who has committed a crime and is trying to escape. In this example, the phrase 'hot on the heels' highlights the intensity and urgency of the pursuit, emphasizing the persistence of the authorities in catching the suspect.

    • The sales figures for the new product exceeded expectations by a significant margin, and our competitors are now hot on the heels of our success.

      This idiom is commonly used in the business world to describe a situation where a rival company or product is quickly catching up to your own successful venture. When sales figures surpass forecasts, it can attract a lot of attention and potential imitators. "Hot on the heels" implies that the competitors are closely following and attempting to replicate the success of the initial product or company.

    • After winning her first major competition, the young gymnast found herself hot on the heels of the reigning Olympic champion in the lead-up to the Games.

      This idiom is used in sport to describe a challenger's pursuit of a current champion or leader in a competition. It emphasizes the closeness and intensity of the competition, and suggests that the challenger is breathing down the neck of the leader in the standings. In this example, the winner of the first competition is now trying to overtake the already established Olympian.

    • The investigators were hot on the heels of the escapee, who had fled from the high-security prison just hours before.

      Here, "hot on the heels" signifies the pursuit of a fugitive by law enforcement officials. It conveys a sense of urgency and persistence in tracking down the suspect, as if the officers are chasing after a fast-moving target. This idiom is commonly used in movies and TV shows, where police or security personnel are depicted as relentlessly following the criminal.

    • The recent spike in oil prices has prompted other oil-producing countries to jump on the bandwagon and increase their production, hoping to capitalize on the hot market.

      This idiom is used in economics to describe the response of competitors in a particular industry to sudden price changes or market fluctuations. It implies that the new entrants are copying the strategy of the initial supplier, and are hoping to capitalize on the temporary price hike. "Hot on the heels" indicates the swiftness and immediacy of the competitors' reactions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hot on the heels" is used to describe either someone or something being closely pursued, or events happening in quick succession. It can be used to convey a sense of urgency or the swift pace of something.

    Origin of "Hot on the heels"

    The origin of the idiom "hot on the heels" can be traced back to the imagery of a hunting or chasing scenario. When a predator is hot on the heels of its prey, it is closely pursuing and following it. This visual metaphor has been adapted into everyday language to convey the idea of close pursuit or quick succession. The idiom has been used in English language for centuries, and it continues to be a popular phrase in both formal and informal contexts.

    Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday conversation, demonstrating its enduring relevance and applicability in various situations. Overall, the idiom "hot on the heels" has a vivid and evocative origin that has contributed to its widespread usage in the English language.