The phrase “hot on the heels” means in close pursuit of someone or something, or immediately after some event1. It originates from hunting terminology, where the “on the heels” part refers to a hunter’s literal closeness behind their quarry. The word “hot” alludes to the warmth of an active living creature, as opposed to the cold of a corpse or the unconsciousness of being “out cold” 1. When hounds are close to their prey, they are said to be “in hot pursuit.”