set back on one's heels

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[set back on one's heels] or [knock back on one's heels] {v. phr.}, {informal} To give an unpleasant surprise; upset suddenly; stop or turn back (someone's) progress.

* /Jack brags too much and it set him back on his heels when the coach told him he wasn't as good a player as he thought he was./

* /Jean was doing very well in school until sickness knocked her back on her heels./

Compare: KNOCK FOR A LOOP, THROW FOR A LOSS.

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	{informal} ¹⁴⁰¹ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸³

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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	See also »
	back [back] See: BACK OF or IN BACK OF, BEHIND ONE'S BACK, BRUSH BACK, COME BACK, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms heel [heel] See: AT ONE'S HEELS, COOL ONE'S HEELS, DOWN AT-THE-HEEL or DOWN-AT-HEEL, DRAG ONE'S FEET ... A Dictionary of American Idioms throw for a loss [throw for a loss] {v. phr.} 1. To tackle a member of the opposing football ... A Dictionary of American Idioms off one's back [off one's back] {adj. phr.} 1. {informal} Stopped from bothering one; removed as an annoyance ... A Dictionary of American Idioms knock back on one's heels [knock back on one's heels] See: SET BACK ON ONE'S HEELS. A Dictionary of American Idioms go back on [go back on] {v. phr.} 1. To turn against; not be faithful or loyal to. ... A Dictionary of American Idioms at one's heels [at one's heels] {adv. phr.} Close behind; as a constant follower or companion. * /The ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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