Learning English

(Image: Getty)

• lock in
• a fresh start
• a little something

Introduction

This expression means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly. Learn how to use it here.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei, and I'm here with Beth.

Beth
Hi Feifei. I heard an interesting phrase on one of our BBC Learning English podcasts this week. The interviewee was talking about cyber attacks on shops, and hot on the heels of that, there were cyber attacks on airlines.

Feifei
I heard this episode – it was very interesting, just like this phrase, 'hot on the heels'. It means something happens immediately after something else, often unexpectedly.

Beth
Yes. Events happen one after the other with not much of a break. For example, my cousin won a cooking competition last week and hot on the heels of that she's been asked to cater for a wedding.

Feifei
That's great! One of my favourite singers just released a new album, and her new world tour announcement came hot on the heels of the album's release. I booked tickets straight away – I can't wait.

Beth
Oo, how exciting!

Feifei
Let's listen to more examples of 'hot on the heels'.

Examples
There's another storm coming tonight. Hot on the heels of the flooding yesterday.

Hot on the heels of my massive pay rise, I won the lottery!

Hot on the heels of their league win, the team then won the cup.

Beth
We also use 'hot on the heels' to talk about following closely behind someone or something, especially if you're likely to succeed in what you're aiming to do.

Feifei
Yes. So, we could say the police car was hot on the heels of the robber, which means the officers were very physically close to the robber, chasing them.

Feifei
Yes. Or in a running race, the person in second might be hot on the heels of the person in front. They are very close to beating them.

Beth
Variations of this phrase include 'hot on the tail' or 'hot on the trail'. For example, I watched a film last night where detectives were hot on the tail of a con man.

Feifei
Wow, that sounds dramatic! We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. Goodbye for now.

Beth
Goodbye!

Next...

How do influencers affect politics? Find out in 6 Minute English.