down at the heels

noun

1. the back part of the human foot, under the ankle and behind the instep
2. the corresponding part of the hind foot of an animal
3. 1. the part of a stocking, shoe, etc. that covers the heel
   2. the built-up part of a shoe or boot supporting the heel
   3. women's low-cut shoes with medium to high heels
4. crushing oppressive or tyrannical power: under the heel of fascism
5. anything suggesting the human heel in location, shape, or function, as the end of a loaf of bread, a rind end of cheese, the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist, the part of the head of a golf club nearest the shaft, the lower end of a ship's mast, or a small quantity of liquor left in a bottle
6. ☆ Informal a despicable or unscrupulous person; cad

Origin: ME hele < OE hela, akin to Du hiel < Gmc *hanhila < *hanha < IE base *kenk-, leg joint, heel

transitive verb

1. to furnish with a heel
2. to follow closely at the rear of
3. to touch, press, or drive forward with or as with the heel
4. to equip (a gamecock) with metal spurs
5. ☆ Informal
   1. to provide (a person) with money: usually in the passive
   2. to equip or arm (oneself)
6. Golf to hit (a ball) with the heel of the club

intransitive verb

1. to follow along at the heels of someone: to teach a dog to heel
2. to move the heels rhythmically in dancing