How Do You Spell DOWN THE HEEL?

Pronunciation: [dˌa͡ʊn ðə hˈiːl] (IPA)

The phrase "down the heel" is often used to describe a person or situation that has fallen from a previous state of grace or success. In terms of phonetic transcription, "down the heel" is pronounced as /daʊn ðə hiːl/, with the emphasis on the second syllable of "down" and the first syllable of "heel". The "vowel sound" in the second syllable of "down" is slightly more open and elongated than the "vowel sound" in the first syllable of "down". The "vowel sound" in the first syllable of "heel" is a diphthong, consisting of /i/ and /ə/.

DOWN THE HEEL Meaning and Definition

  1. Down the heel is an idiomatic expression used to describe a person whose moral character or behavior has declined or deteriorated over time. This phrase suggests that the individual was once virtuous, respectable, or in a higher social position but has slid or fallen in terms of their reputation, actions, or financial standing. The word "heel" in this context refers to the back part of a shoe, which is commonly associated with being worn out or in a dilapidated condition. Thus, when someone is said to be "down the heel," it implies that their moral or social state has similarly deteriorated.

    The term can be used both literally and metaphorically. In a literal sense, "down the heel" refers to a person whose shoes are in a poor state, worn out, or damaged. This conveys a sense of physical disrepair or neglect. Figuratively, "down the heel" connotes a significant decline in someone's overall character or circumstances. It suggests a fall from grace or a loss of status, reputation, or respectability.

    "Down the heel" can be applied to various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, professional endeavors, or financial situations. It highlights a downward trajectory in someone's life, emphasizing their decline from a previously higher standing, and implying a need for individual introspection or societal intervention to rectify the situation and prevent further deterioration.

Common Misspellings for DOWN THE HEEL

  • sown the heel
  • xown the heel
  • cown the heel
  • fown the heel
  • rown the heel
  • eown the heel
  • diwn the heel
  • dkwn the heel
  • dlwn the heel
  • dpwn the heel
  • d0wn the heel
  • d9wn the heel
  • doqn the heel
  • doan the heel
  • dosn the heel
  • doen the heel
  • do3n the heel
  • do2n the heel
  • dowb the heel
  • dowm the heel

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