cool one's heels
Definition
Verb phrase: - To wait, especially for a long time and often with a sense of annoyance or boredom, because someone else is making you delay.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe the experience of being forced to wait, typically in an idle or unproductive manner. It often implies that the wait is longer than expected or desired, and that the person waiting is growing impatient. It is commonly used in informal contexts.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used in various tenses by conjugating the verb "cool".
- We cooled our heels for what felt like an eternity. (Past tense)
- I think I'll be cooling my heels here all afternoon. (Future continuous)
Variants and Related Words
- Kick one's heels: This is a direct synonym with the same meaning.
- We were left kicking our heels while they decided what to do.
Synonyms
- Wait around
- Be kept waiting
- Languish
- Mark time
Related Idioms
- Cool your jets: This is a related idiom meaning to calm down or be patient, but it focuses more on telling someone to control their impatience rather than describing the state of waiting itself.
- Just cool your jets; the bus will be here soon.
Verb
-
wait or pass the time aimlessly or futilely; be kept waiting
-
She kicked her heels for hours at the gate of the Embassy
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