[cool] {one's} heels - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

[cool] {one's} heels

to be forced to wait for a person or anticipate somethingto be forced to wait for a person or anticipate something

The idiom "cool one's heels" originated from the practice of shoeing horses. In the 18th and 19th centuries, blacksmiths would ask riders to "cool" or wait patiently while the newly shod horseshoes were being affixed firmly to the horse's hooves. It is often used in informal conversations or casual settings to describe the act of waiting without becoming impatient or agitated. This expression can be used in a variety of contexts and occasions, such as waiting for appointments, interviews, meetings, or events.The idiom "cool one's heels" originated from the practice of shoeing horses. In the 18th and 19th centuries, blacksmiths would ask riders to "cool" or wait patiently while the newly shod horseshoes were being affixed firmly to the horse's hooves. It is often used in informal conversations or casual settings to describe the act of waiting without becoming impatient or agitated. This expression can be used in a variety of contexts and occasions, such as waiting for appointments, interviews, meetings, or events.

Examples

Synonyms

kick one's heels

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[cool] {one's} heels

1

to be forced to wait for a person or anticipate something

The idiom "cool one's heels" originated from the practice of shoeing horses. In the 18th and 19th centuries, blacksmiths would ask riders to "cool" or wait patiently while the newly shod horseshoes were being affixed firmly to the horse's hooves. It is often used in informal conversations or casual settings to describe the act of waiting without becoming impatient or agitated. This expression can be used in a variety of contexts and occasions, such as waiting for appointments, interviews, meetings, or events.

I am cooling my heels in the waiting room until my name is called.
She cooled her heels for hours at the airport before her delayed flight finally departed.
They will have to cool their heels until the meeting starts.
He is currently cooling his heels outside the principal's office, waiting to discuss the incident.
They were cooling their heels in line at the amusement park while waiting for the ride to open.

Synonyms:

kick one's heels