Cool One's Heels - Idiom of the Day for IELTS

The IELTS idiom “cool one’s heels” is a great addition if you incorporate it into your answers for the topics related to waiting, time management, delays, or unexpected situations.

This idiom refers to waiting for a long time, mainly during frustration or boredom, and it can perfectly express scenarios where you are kept waiting, especially in formal or disappointing situations.

In this article, you will find out how to use “cool one’s heels” naturally in your IELTS Writing sections and We’ll cover its meaning, origin, sample sentences, and give you contextual practice exercises so that you can confidently boost your lexical resource band score with precision!

Meaning of the Idiom 'Cool One’s Heels'

This idiom refers to being forced to wait, usually when you are kept waiting longer than expected. Mainly due to someone else's actions or authority.

Origin of the Idiom 'Cool One’s Heels'

The idiom traces back to the 16th century. “Cooling” the heels was referred to slowing down after walking or running. Over time, it evolved to mean waiting restlessly or being made to wait and that is when it was used in casual speeches by English speakers.

Synonyms of 'Cool One’s Heels'

• Wait around
• Hang about
• Kill time

Antonyms of 'Cool One’s Heels'

• Receive prompt service
• Be immediately admitted
• Move ahead without delay

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom 'Cool One’s Heels'

Question: IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time you had to wait for something important.

“As I was aspiring to move to Canada for my higher studies. That is when I had to do all the required processes. As a part of it, I had to cool my heels outside the embassy for hours before my visa appointment.”

Examples to Understand the Usage of 'Cool One’s Heels' Idiom in Sentences

1. I cooled my heels in the reception area until my manager finished her meeting.
2. We were all told to cool our heels at the airport as our flight got delayed.
3. He was made to cool his heels before being called in for the interview.

Mistakes to Avoid While Using the 'Cool One’s Heels' Idiom 

• Taking it literally

Incorrect: “She had to cool her heels because it was hot.”

Correct: “She had to cool her heels at the airport due to the delay.”

• Using it in the wrong context

Incorrect: “Rithu cooled her heels while watching a movie.”

Correct: “Rithu cooled her heels in the reception waiting for the doctor.”

• Using it in overly formal writing

The idiom is best suited for IELTS Speaking or IELTS informal letters. Hence, try to avoid it in formal essays where phrases like "was made to wait" are more correct.

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1

Fill in the Blanks: Use the correct form of “cool one’s heels”

1. After missing the flight, I had to __________ at the airport for nearly two hours.
2. The staff told her to __________ until the higher official was available.
3. She __________ in the waiting room as the doctor got finished with another patient.

Exercise 2

Describe a time when you had to wait for something important. 

You should say:

• What you were waiting for?
• Why it was important?
• How long you had to wait?
• Explain how you felt about the wait

Practice Exercise: Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. cool my heels
2. cool my heels
3. cooled his heels

Exercise 2

Two years back, I attended an interview at a top IT firm in Delhi. Due to a crucial delay from their end, I had to cool my heels in the waiting room for nearly half an hour. Though I was consistently feeling nervous at first, the extra time helped me revise my topics and relax for a bit.

In the end, I performed really well and got the job, so the wait was worth it!

Some More Daily Examples to Understand the 'Cool One's Heels' Idiom

• “Simon is cooling his heels in this long queue to buy milk.”
• “I spent an hour cooling my heels in the waiting room while the doctor saw other patients.”
• “All right, if you can’t behave properly, just sit down here and cool your heels until I call you.“