heel
noun (1)
\ ˈhēl
\
\
Definition of heel
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a
: the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch
b
: the part of the hind limb of other vertebrates that is similar in structure to the human heel
nipping at the cow's heels
2
: an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel
especially
: the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands — Warren Eyster
3
: one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
4a
: the part (as of a shoe) that covers the human heel
b
: a solid attachment of a shoe or boot forming the back of the sole under the heel of the foot
squashed the bug with his boot heel
5
: a rear, low, or bottom part: such as
b
: the base of a tuber or cutting of a plant used for propagation of the plant
c
: the base of a ladder
6a
: a contemptible person : a person who is self-centered or untrustworthy
felt like a heel a few heels who appear to get away with it— Frank Case
b
professional wrestling
: a wrestler who performs the role of the unsympathetic antagonist or adversary in a staged wrestling match
In the traditional morality plays of professional wrestling, grapplers divided into good guys, or "baby faces," and black-hatted "heels."— John Leland
— compare baby face sense 2
by the heels
down at heel
or down at the heel
on the heels of
to heel
under heel
: in a tight grip
had the enemy by the heels
: in or into a run-down or shabby condition
His slippers were down at the heel.
: immediately following
came close on the heels of the announcement
1
: close behind
called the dog to heel
2
: into agreement or line
reluctantly came to heel help to bring inflation to heel
: under control or subjection
They kept us under heel.