lay by the heels: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lay by the heels’ mean?
The idiom "lay by the heels" means to arrest or capture someone, typically in a forceful manner, by seizing their ankles as a form of restraint.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the lam" means to be running or hiding from the authorities to avoid capture or punishment.
The idiom "on the lam" is commonly used in American English to describe someone who is fleeing or evading capture, particularly by law enforcement. It has a long history and is rooted in the criminal underworld.
The idiom "lay to rest" means to finally resolve or put an end to something, especially a controversial or lingering issue, through a definitive action or decision.
The idiom "lay to rest" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States. In its literal sense, "lay to rest" refers to the act of burying a deceased person. It is associated with funeral rites and signifies the final farewell to the departed individual.
The idiom "lay something at the feet of" means to hold someone responsible or blame someone for something. It implies the act of attributing a problem or fault to someone else.
The idiom "lay over" means to have a temporary stop or stay during a journey before continuing on to another destination.
The idiom "lay on" means to apply or administer something, usually in a forceful or excessive manner. It can also refer to providing or giving something, often in a generous or lavish way.
The idiom "lay off" means to stop doing or using something, to stop bothering someone, or to stop employing someone, usually due to a lack of work or financial issues.
One of the most commonly used idioms in the English language is "lay off." This phrase has various meanings and can be used in different contexts, but its underlying principle is always related to stopping or ceasing an action.
The idiom "lay hands on" means to find or acquire something, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The idiom "lay at someone's door" means to blame someone for a particular situation or problem. It suggests that the responsibility for the issue rests solely on that person.
The idiom "kick up one's heels" means to relax, have fun, or engage in lively enjoyment and uninhibited behavior.
The idiom "kick up one's heels" is a colorful expression used to describe someone engaging in exuberant and carefree behavior. The phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of joyful abandon, often associated with dancing or celebrating.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
The Hidden Significance
The idiom "lay by the heels" originates from the early 17th century and has its roots in the world of crime and punishment. It is used to describe the act of apprehending and imprisoning someone, typically with the intention of keeping them detained.
The phrase "lay by the heels" is believed to have been derived from literal practices of law enforcement during this time period. It referred to the physical act of capturing a criminal and binding their feet together, thus rendering them immobile. This method was often used as a means of preventing escape or further criminal activity.
The idiom has also been associated with the idea of incapacitating or restraining someone, whether physically or metaphorically. "Laying someone by the heels" implies disempowering or immobilizing them, rendering them unable to act or progress in some way.
Over the years, the idiom has evolved in usage and can now be employed in a wider range of contexts. It can be used to describe the act of apprehending and detaining anyone who may be causing trouble or disrupting the status quo, not exclusively criminals. It can also be used to express the idea of effectively stopping or inhibiting someone or something from functioning as desired.
"kick one's heels" is a related idiom that shares a similar connotation with "lay by the heels". It refers to the act of waiting or remaining idle with no particular purpose. This phrase often implies a sense of impatience or frustration, as the person waiting is unable to do anything productive or engaging.
Similarly, "kick up one's heels" also conveys a sense of idleness or leisure. This idiom suggests engaging in carefree and joyous activities, often seen as a form of release or escapism from the responsibilities and constraints of everyday life. It can be seen as a contrast to the notion of being "laid by the heels", where one is restrained or immobilized.
Another related idiom is "give someone the slip." This phrase is used when someone manages to escape or avoid being captured or detained. It implies a quick and clever maneuver that allows someone to elude their pursuers or avoid any form of confinement. In contrast to the act of being "laid by the heels", "giving someone the slip" represents a successful evasion of capture or restraint.
"on the lam" is yet another related idiom that shares a connection with "lay by the heels". This phrase is used to describe someone who is trying to avoid capture or arrest by law enforcement authorities. It often implies a sense of urgency and the need to stay on the move to evade capture or detention.
Although the idiom "lay by the heels" is not as commonly used today, its historical origins and associations with law and order still resonate. The phrase serves as a reminder of past methods of crime prevention and enforcement, as well as the broader concept of restraint and confinement. It carries a sense of authority and power, evoking images of capture and containment.
"lay by the heels" offers insight into the historical practices of law enforcement and the ongoing societal fascination with maintaining order and control. While its usage may have diminished, its presence as an idiom lingers as a reminder of the lengths that have been taken to uphold the principles of justice and security.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "lay by the heels" can be used in a sentence:
- After his arrest, the criminal was laid by the heels and taken to the police station.
- During the interrogation, the suspect was finally laid by the heels and confessed to the crime.
- Once the fugitive was caught, he was quickly laid by the heels and brought back to face justice.
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