Well heeled
Definitions
wealthy or affluent
Describing someone who is financially well-off and has the means to live a comfortable lifestylewell-dressed
Referring to someone who is elegantly and stylishly dressed, often with expensive clothing and accessories
Examples of Well heeled
The wealthy businessman strutted into the restaurant with his well-heeled wife.
In this example, "well-heeled" is used to describe the wealthy and fashionable boots or shoes that the wife is wearing. However, the idiom is being used figuratively to mean that the wife is wealthy and influential, as "heeled" can also mean someone who is powerful or influential.
The young couple moved into their well-heeled neighborhood, eager to fit in with the wealthy residents.
Here, "well-heeled" is used to describe the affluent and prestigious neighborhood that the couple has moved into. It implies that the neighborhood is filled with influential and wealthy residents.
The new business venture was well-heeled enough to attract some of the wealthiest investors in the city.
This example illustrates that "well-heeled" can also be used to describe something that is financially successful, as the new business venture was able to attract wealthy investors.
The senator's political career has been well-heeled due to his strong financial backing and influential connections.
In this case, "well-heeled" is used to describe the successful political career of the senator. It implies that the senator's career has been advanced by his financial resources and influential connections.
The well-heeled businessman waltzed into the luxurious restaurant and ordered a glass of Champagne.
This idiom is used to describe a person who is wealthy and has expensive taste. Here, "well-heeled" is an adjective used to describe the businessman, who is financially well-off and can afford to dine in a luxurious restaurant and order an expensive drink like Champagne.
The well-heeled divorcee splurged on a new sports car after receiving a substantial alimony settlement.
This example refers to a wealthy woman who has recently been divorced and received a considerable amount of money in the settlement. She spends a large portion of this money on an extravagant purchase like a new sports car, demonstrating her financial comfort and luxury lifestyle.
The celebrity couple, both well-heeled and famous, arrived at the lavish reception in matching Rolls Roycen.
This example describes a wealthy, high-profile couple who have a luxurious lifestyle. The reference to their vehicles, brand new, expensive Rolls Roycen, reinforces the fact that they are well-off and can afford to purchase such luxurious items.
The well-heeled socialite breezed into the high-end fashion boutique and picked out an exquisite gown for her upcoming gala.
This example describes a well-off woman with a privileged lifestyle. She dresses lavishly and can afford to shop at upscale fashion stores, as seen when she selects a high-end gown for a fancy gala event.
Conclusion
The idiom "well heeled" can be used to describe someone who is either wealthy and affluent or well-dressed. It can be used in various contexts, such as talking about someone's financial status or their fashion sense.In the first meaning, it conveys the idea of financial prosperity and being able to afford a comfortable lifestyle. In the second meaning, it highlights someone's stylish appearance and the ability to afford high-quality clothing and accessories.
Overall, "well heeled" is a versatile idiom that can be used to compliment someone's financial success or their fashion sense.
Origin of "Well heeled"
The origin of the idiom "well heeled" can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was originally used to describe horses that were well-shod or had their hooves in good condition. Over time, the idiom became associated with people and their financial status, indicating that they were "well-heeled" in terms of their wealth and prosperity. The association with well-dressed individuals also developed around the same time, as having expensive shoes was a symbol of wealth and luxury. Today, the idiom is commonly used in both contexts to describe someone who is either financially successful or stylishly dressed.
Overall, the origin of "well heeled" reflects the historical connection between horses and prosperity, and how the idiom has evolved to convey both financial and sartorial abundance in modern usage.