Definition
To wait, especially impatiently or restlessly.
In Context
- "I cooled my heels in the cloisters till nine, then went in to the music-meeting."
- "Remember I say it—he'll cool his heels in a prison, if he's no wiser than of late, before a twel'month."
- "Indeed his annoyance had time to augment a good deal; for he was allowed to cool his heels a full half hour in the ante-room before those gentlemen emerged and he was ushered into the presence."
- ""Though Death has been cooling his heels at my door these three weeks, I have not had time to see him.""
- "There is the story of the famous Hollywood glamour photographer who cooled his heels around Washington for three months while waiting for one of our leading commanders, and then was granted exactly 15 minutes for the sitting."
- "Once in the White House, Currie became an expert at making small talk with visiting dignitaries, members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries and other Administration officials as they cooled their heels waiting for the ever tardy Clinton."