kuːl jɔr hiːlz
Body Parts
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To let your heels become cool
What does "cool your heels" mean?
- To wait, often impatiently, for something
- To be kept waiting by someone
Examples
- I had to cool my heels in the waiting room for an hour.
- They kept us cooling our heels while they finished their meeting.
- Don't expect him to cool his heels—he's an important client.
Origin
From the 17th century, referring to how horses' hooves would cool down after running. When a rider had to wait, the horse would 'cool its heels.' Extended to people who are made to wait.
How to use it
Often implies being made to wait unnecessarily or as a power move. Can suggest mild resentment about waiting.
Similar expressions
wait around
hang around
be kept waiting
Opposites
be seen immediately
no wait
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "cool your heels" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.