under the heel of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the heel of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is in a powerless position or who is oppressed by an authority figure. For example: After the revolution, the people of the country were finally free from living under the heel of their oppressive dictator.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

If you were under the heel of fascism or Nazism, or just an unpopular and unloved minority, Moscow was "home".

The Guardian - Books

Republicans, long under the heel of Democrats, waxed triumphalist in finally gaining majority control of both houses.

The New York Times

The first step of which is to bring the independent news division under the heel of network entertainment programming.

The Guardian - Film

(His railing about wage slaves "ground under the heel of the capitalist class" becomes, in "Take Me Along," irritation that everyone is a "slave to humbug").

The New York Times

In a world everywhere under the heel of capital, only radical politics can retrieve what is worth saving in the liberal legacy.

The Guardian - Books

As a result of the Napoleonic Wars, the Norwegians were united with, but very much in the shadow of — if not under the heel of — the Swedes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But on graduating from high school under the heels of the Nazi occupation, he was sent with others to work 14 hours a day as a conscripted laborer in an armaments factory.

The New York Times - Arts

And with songs like "No Dick's as Hard as My Life!" she went on to brilliantly eviscerate the country & western stereotype, grinding it under the heels of her rhinestoned cowboy boots.

The Guardian - Tech

After two long days and three very flat Prairie provinces, we arrived at our own brand of heaven -- a two-room suite at the Royal York Hotel, just across from the train station and a heartbeat from the Skydome, where we would witness the unfortunate spectacle of the Blue Jays crumbling under the heels of Anaheim.

The New York Times

The arrangement is so bad that some taxpayers hire a second set of advisers to help them get out from under the heels of the first set.

Forbes

So Carrie finds herself in danger of being ground under the heels of the super-security state.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the heel of", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is exerting oppressive control. This enhances the impact and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under the heel of" when the situation involves mere disagreement or competition. This phrase is reserved for scenarios where genuine oppression or severe imbalance of power exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the heel of" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or entity that is experiencing oppression or control. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and is commonly used to illustrate a power imbalance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

13%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Lifestyle

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the heel of" is a phrase used to describe situations of oppression and control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, books, and opinion pieces, to emphasize a severe power imbalance. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for contexts where genuine oppression exists to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresenting the situation. To express related ideas, consider alternatives like "under someone's thumb" or "at the mercy of", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under someone's thumb

Implies direct control and influence, often in a personal or manipulative way.

Subject to the power of

More formal and emphasizes the legal or institutional basis of control.

At the mercy of

Highlights vulnerability and lack of control over one's fate.

Controlled by

Focuses on the act of controlling and the lack of autonomy.

Dominated by

Emphasizes the imbalance of power and the suppression of the dominated party.

Subjugated by

Highlights the act of bringing someone under control by conquest or force.

Oppressed by

Focuses on the unjust and cruel exercise of power.

Subordinate to

Indicates a lower rank or position in a hierarchy.

Beholden to

Emphasizes obligation and dependence.

Vulnerable to

Highlights susceptibility to harm or influence.

FAQs

How is the phrase "under the heel of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "under the heel of" typically describes a situation where someone or something is being oppressed or controlled by a dominant force. For example, "The country remained "under the heel of" the dictator for many years."

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of being "under the heel of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "under someone's thumb", "at the mercy of", or "dominated by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "under the heel of" to describe a temporary setback?

No, the phrase "under the heel of" implies a sustained period of oppression or control. It's not appropriate for describing temporary or minor setbacks; consider using phrases like "experiencing difficulties" or "facing challenges" instead.

What's the difference between "under the heel of" and "subject to"?

"Under the heel of" emphasizes oppression and lack of power, while "subject to" simply indicates being bound by a rule, law, or authority. The former suggests a negative and forceful control, while the latter is more neutral.