The English We Speak: Hot on the heels

The idiomatic expression "hot on the heels" describes events occurring in rapid succession or the act of following someone closely. This phrase often applies to unexpected sequential events, such as a string of cyberattacks hitting different industries or a world tour announcement immediately following an album release. Beyond chronological order, the term signifies physical proximity in a chase or competition, illustrated by a police car pursuing a robber or a runner nearly overtaking a leader in a race. Variations like "hot on the tail" or "hot on the trail" serve as synonyms, particularly in contexts involving investigations or tracking. Practical applications range from professional achievements, like a catering contract following a competition win, to natural occurrences such as back-to-back storms. This linguistic tool effectively communicates urgency, momentum, and the lack of a significant break between two related incidents.