The English language is filled with idioms that are used to convey a message in a concise and effective manner. One such idiom is “close on the heels of”. This phrase is often used in everyday conversations, literature, and media to describe something that follows closely after another event or action. It implies that there is little time between the two events and they are connected in some way.
The Origin of “Close on the Heels Of”
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to horse racing where horses follow each other closely around a track. The term “heels” refers to the hind legs of a horse which are close together during a race. When one horse follows another closely behind, it is said to be “close on the heels” of its competitor.
Over time, this phrase has been adopted into everyday language as a way to describe any situation where one thing follows quickly after another.
Usage and Examples
“Close on the heels of” can be used in various contexts such as politics, business, sports, entertainment or personal life situations. Here are some examples:
– The company launched its new product close on the heels of their competitor’s release.
– The announcement about his resignation came close on the heels of his controversial statement.
– The team won three games close on the heels of each other.
– She got promoted twice close on the heels within six months due to her exceptional performance at work.
– The movie sequel was released close on the heels after its prequel became successful at box office.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “close on the heels of”
The phrase “close on the heels of” is a commonly used idiom in English language. It describes something that follows closely after another thing, often with a sense of urgency or immediacy. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to early human history when people relied heavily on their ability to track animals for hunting and survival.
In those times, hunters would follow closely behind their prey, tracking them by observing the footprints left behind. This technique required great skill and attention to detail as any delay could mean losing sight of the animal altogether. Over time, this practice evolved into a figurative expression that was used to describe anything that followed closely behind something else.
As civilization progressed, so did the usage of this idiom. It became more common in everyday speech and writing as people found it useful for describing situations where one event or action quickly followed another. Today, it is still widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
Understanding the historical context of an idiom like “close on the heels of” can help us appreciate its significance and meaning better. By tracing its origins back to our earliest ancestors, we gain insight into how language has evolved over time and how idioms have become an integral part of our communication today.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “close on the heels of”
The idiom “close on the heels of” is a commonly used phrase in English that conveys the idea of something following closely behind another thing. This expression can be used to describe events, people, or even ideas that are closely related or connected.
There are several variations of this idiom that can be used depending on the context. For example, instead of saying “close on the heels of,” one could use phrases such as “right after,” “immediately following,” or “in quick succession.” These variations all convey a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably in most cases.
One common usage of this idiom is in news headlines and articles. Journalists often use this expression to describe breaking news stories that are closely related to previous events. For example, a headline might read: “New COVID-19 Variant Discovered Close on the Heels of Delta Outbreak.” In this case, the idiom emphasizes how quickly one event followed another and highlights their close connection.
Another way to use this idiom is in personal conversations or storytelling. People may use it to describe how they experienced a series of events that happened one after another without much time in between. For instance, someone might say: “I lost my job last week, and then close on the heels of that, my car broke down.”
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “close on the heels of”
Synonyms
- Right behind
- In hot pursuit
- On someone’s tail
- Nipping at someone’s heels
- Breathing down someone’s neck
These phrases all convey a similar meaning to “close on the heels of” and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
Antonyms
- Far behind
- Lagging behind
- Taking their time
- Moving at a leisurely pace
These phrases are opposite in meaning to “close on the heels of” and can be used when describing situations where there is no sense of urgency or immediacy.
Cultural Insights:
The idiom “close on the heels of” is commonly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in formal settings such as business meetings or academic presentations. It is also frequently used in sports commentary when describing athletes who are competing closely with each other. In some cultures, such as Japan, it may be considered impolite or aggressive to use this type of language in professional settings. It is important to understand cultural nuances when using idiomatic expressions like this one.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “close on the heels of”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Read each sentence below and fill in the blank with an appropriate word or phrase that fits with the idiom “close on the heels of”.
1. The new product launch was ____________ by a successful marketing campaign.
2. The team’s victory was ____________ by their coach’s inspiring speech.
3. The company’s profits were ____________ by a decrease in expenses.
4. The news article about climate change was ____________ by a report from a leading scientist.
Exercise 2: Identify Correct Usage
Read each sentence below and determine if it correctly uses the idiom “close on the heels of”. If it does not, rewrite it so that it does.
1. The storm hit close to our house’s foundation.
2. After finishing his homework, he went out for dinner close to midnight.
3. She received her promotion close after her colleague did.
4. He finished his marathon race close behind his friend.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create three original sentences using “close on the heels of” correctly in context.
Example:
– Close on the heels of her graduation ceremony, she landed her dream job at a top firm.
Table:
| Exercise | Answer |
|---|---|
| Exercise 1 | 1) followed closely; 2) preceded; 3) boosted; 4) accompanied. |
| Exercise 2 | 1) Incorrect. Corrected: The storm hit close on the heels of our house’s foundation.
2) Incorrect. Corrected: He went out for dinner close to midnight, followed closely by finishing his homework. 3) Incorrect. Corrected: She received her promotion close on the heels of her colleague. 4) Correct. |
| Exercise 3 | – Close on the heels of her graduation ceremony, she landed her dream job at a top firm.
– The new restaurant opened its doors close on the heels of their successful food truck business. – The company announced their new product line close on the heels of their competitor’s launch. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “close on the heels of”
When using idioms in conversation or writing, it is important to understand their meaning and usage. The idiom “close on the heels of” is often used to describe something that follows closely after another event or action. However, there are common mistakes that people make when using this idiom.
One mistake is using it too frequently or inappropriately. While it can be a useful phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and dull. It is also important to use this idiom only when appropriate – for example, you wouldn’t use it to describe something that happened days or weeks after another event.
Another mistake is not understanding its proper tense usage. This idiom should be used in past tense when describing events that have already occurred – for example, “The announcement came close on the heels of the press conference.” In present tense, it would be more appropriate to say “The announcement is following closely behind the press conference.”
Finally, some people may confuse this idiom with others such as “on someone’s heels” or “at someone’s heels.” While they may seem similar, they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.