hot on the trail: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hot on the trail’ mean?
The idiom "hot on the trail" means to be actively pursuing or following someone or something, usually in order to catch or find them. It conveys a sense of being close to the target and making progress in the search or investigation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on track" means to be progressing or moving forward in a positive and successful way, often in relation to a plan or goal.
The idiom "in the hot seat" means to be in a difficult or uncomfortable position, often under scrutiny or facing intense questioning.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hot stuff" is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, remarkable, or highly skilled.
The idiom "hot shit" refers to someone or something that is highly impressive, successful or influential. It is used to convey a sense of superiority or remarkable qualities.
The idiom "hot on someone's heels" means to be very close behind someone, often in pursuit or with the intention of catching or overtaking them.
The idiom "hot on" means to be closely pursuing or following someone or something, usually in terms of investigation or discovery.
The idiom *hot hand* refers to a streak or period of success or good fortune. It is often used in sports to describe a player who is performing exceptionally well for a certain period of time.
The idiom *hot and heavy* means being intense and passionate, usually in a romantic or sexual manner.
Unveiling Intriguing Origins
The idiom "hot on someone's heels" is a variation of the expression "hot on the trail." Just as the latter signifies actively pursuing or searching for something or someone, "hot on someone's heels" conveys the idea of closely following or chasing after someone. The word "heels" in this idiom metaphorically refers to the area behind a person's feet, emphasizing the proximity and immediacy of the pursuit.
When someone is hot on someone else's heels, it implies that they are close to catching up with or overtaking the person they are pursuing. This idiom is commonly used in situations where one person is trying to stay just behind another person, often in a competitive or confrontational context. It suggests that the pursuer is determined and relentless in their pursuit, not giving the target a moment of respite.
The idiom "hot on someone's heels" can be applied in various scenarios, ranging from sports competitions to legal battles. For example, a runner who is hot on the heels of the leading athlete is very close to surpassing them and potentially winning the race. In the legal realm, a prosecutor who is hot on the heels of a suspect has gathered substantial evidence and is nearing the point of making an arrest.
The idiom "on track" is another expression related to the concept of being hot on the trail. While "hot on the trail" emphasizes the act of pursuing or searching, "on track" denotes progress and staying on the right path towards a desired outcome or goal.
Being on track means that someone is following a set course of action or plan in order to achieve a particular objective. It suggests that the person is making steady progress and maintaining focus in their efforts, thereby increasing the likelihood of success.
The idiom "on track" can be used in various contexts, such as personal development, project management, or career advancement. For instance, if someone is working towards a promotion at work, they may be described as being on track if they are consistently meeting their targets and demonstrating the necessary skills and qualities.
In personal development, someone who is on track in their fitness journey may be regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and steadily progressing towards their desired level of physical fitness. The idiom can also be applied to academic pursuits, where a student who is on track is effectively managing their time, completing assignments, and staying focused on their studies.
When combining the idioms "hot on someone's heels" and "on track" with the original idiom "hot on the trail," it further emphasizes the sense of determination, immediacy, and progress in pursuing a target. It suggests that the pursuit is active and ongoing, with the pursuer being close to catching up and staying on the right course towards achieving their goal.
Whether it's a detective hot on a suspect's heels, an athlete hot on the heels of their competitor, or an individual diligently staying on track towards their personal or professional goals, these idioms capture the essence of energetic pursuit and relentless focus. They convey a message of resolute determination and unwavering commitment in reaching a desired outcome or finding an answer, making them valuable expressions in our everyday conversations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *hot on the trail* can be used in a sentence:
- After several months of investigation, the detective finally caught the criminal he had been hot on the trail of.
- The journalist was hot on the trail of a major scandal and published an exposé that shook the political world.
- The search and rescue team was hot on the trail of the missing hiker, following footprints and other clues.
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