Phrase guide

bring to heel

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To compel someone to obey; to force someone into a submissive condition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To cause to act in a disciplined manner.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the command to make a dog closely follow its master.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: obeigi — compel someone to obey
  • Finnish: alistaa tahtoonsa — compel someone to obey
  • Finnish: panna aisoihin — compel someone to obey
  • French: mettre au pas — compel someone to obey
  • Hungarian: ráncba szed — compel someone to obey
  • Ido: submisar — compel someone to obey
  • Ido: domtar — compel someone to obey
  • Polish: przywoływać do porządku — compel someone to obey
  • Polish: przywołać do porządku — compel someone to obey
  • Spanish: meter en cintura — compel someone to obey